McDonald’s contributes €2.1M to Cavan economy

McDonald's contributes an estimated €2.1M annually to the local economy in County Cavan, according to a new report.
The ‘McDonald’s in Ireland’ Economic Impact Report has put the fast food chain's total contribution to the Irish economy in 2017 at €196M.
The franchise in Cavan, operated by Seamus Rawle, employs 74 people in the county town restaurant. The detailed independent report, which was commissioned by the company, also shows that some €2.7 million worth of Irish produce is purchased by McDonald’s from suppliers in County Cavan. The report looks at the impact the franchise has on the Irish economy through employment, supply chain expenditure, the purchase of Irish produce for domestic use and export, and the support for local communities across Ireland.
Mr Rawle commented on the positive impact of McDonald’s in Cavan: “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 Cavan and will continue to have an active role in the community.”
The €2.1 million contribution to the local economy in Cavan in 2017 was a combination of restaurant activity, employee salaries and its contribution to the national exchequer.
The report also highlights the significance of McDonald’s long-term partnerships with Irish suppliers including Dawn Meats (beef), Greenfield Foods (eggs), Dew Valley Foods (bacon) and Kerry Group (dairy). McDonald’s spent €53 million with Irish suppliers, supporting key economic activity across many sectors of the Irish economy. McDonald’s is one of the largest purchasers of Irish beef by volume, working with over 1,200 suppliers in Ireland.
The study also shines a light on the hardworking McDonald’s franchisee community who are at the centre of McDonald’s story in Ireland. They like to give back and champion their local communities. This includes raising funds for The Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland, participating in local Tidy Towns campaigns, and sponsoring local sport clubs across the country.
Seamus Rawle is passionate about playing a part in the local community. One of the first things he did when he opened in Longford town was to join Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). Since then, he has partnered with the local Tidy Towns committees in Longford and Cavan and has taken part in the local ‘adopt a road’ schemes
Paul Pomroy, CEO, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said the report highlights the company's strong partnerships with Irish suppliers and commitment to Irish produce. This, he said: "is vital to our business here in Ireland and across Europe. We are proud of our long-standing relationships with suppliers such as Dawn Meats, who have been supplying beef patties to McDonald’s since 1986."
He concluded: "The success of McDonald’s in Ireland would not be possible without our customers, suppliers, crew members and the dedication of our Irish franchisees, who provide local jobs, economic opportunities and ongoing community engagement across the year.”