McDonald’s contributed €2.2m to local economy in 2017

A new report into the economic impact of fast food giants McDonald’s in Ireland, shows that the restaurant chain contributed €2.2 million directly to the Co Wexford economy in 2017.

The economic impact report undertaken by McDonald’s Ireland looks at the impact the chain has on the economy through employment, supply chain expenditure, the purchase of Irish produce for domestic use and export and the support for local communities.

The report states that McDonald’s made a €2.2 million contribution through restaurant activity, employee salaries and its contribution to the national exchequer, while nationally they contributed €196 million.

McDonald’s employs a total of 118 people in Wexford at its two restaurants, Wexford and Gorey, while nationally the firm is one of the largest employers in the country with 5,942 employees across 95 restaurants. Young people under the age of 22 represent 40% of the McDonald’s workforce

The report is strong in its praise for McDonald’s franchisees, paying tribute to Wexford businessmen Bernard Byrne and Amir Afsar. Commenting on the impact of McDonald’s in Wexford, Mr Afsar said: ‘This report highlights the positive impact McDonald’s has in Wexford and indeed on a national scale. While McDonald’s is a global brand, the franchise model means we are a collection of small local businesses who are embedded in our communities. I am proud to support local jobs and the local economy in Wexford and will continue to have an active role in the community.’