There are plans to open a motorway service station in Monegal Co. Offaly in honour of US President Barack Obama.

Supermacs owner Pat McDonagh is developing the site on the new M7 route between Dublin and Limerick as a stop-over point for motorists travelling through the Midlands.

The service area will be called Barack Obama Plaza and is expected to create 60 jobs.

An additional 75 new jobs will also come on-stream during the construction phase.

The Plaza will contain a restaurant, a convenience shop and fuel facilities and will be open 24/7.

"Single biggest investment"

The Plaza is to cost €6 million in what is being billed as the single biggest investment on the Offaly/Tipperary Border in decades.

It will also provide a Community Facility for the use of the people of Moneygall - The Barack Obama Community Facility.

It will house on-going displays of both historic and current material marking the relationship between Moneygall and the United States.

The development has been openly welcomed by the local community with President Obama's Irish relative Henry Healy giving it his full backing.

"It's always fantastic to see a new facility coming to a small community" he said.

"Again it will enhance and expand on what we have to offer. The museum is an exciting prospect. It will enrich the experience for visitors and hopefully it will entice them to come into the village to visit us when they stop off" he added.

Pat McDonagh says his plans to honour Barack Obama have also been welcomed by US officials.