A leading weight loss expert says enforcing a 'No Fry Zone' around schools is missing the point.
Dr Eva Orsmond says fast food outlets are not the only cause of childhood obesity, and it is up to parents to educate children about healthy eating.
It comes after parents in Greystones, Co Wicklow campaigned against a McDonalds opening near three local schools.
The group says with the growing obesity problem, its vital fast food is not available near schools. It also cited traffic safety concerns.
Philip Moyles of "No-Fry Zones for Kids" says planners need to take note.
But Dr Orsmond says a "No Fry Zone" will not solve the obesity problem.
"This would basically mean if we go with these types of laws we should basically then make sure there is no shops near schools" she told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk.
"Just...saying that McDonalds - or any other fry shop - is basically the cause of childhood obesity, I think we are really missing the bigger picture" she added.
