New service station fuels jobs boost for Kells

Kells received a major jobs boost this week in the face of the pandemic, with the opening of a new filling station and food court, creating 84 new jobs.

Minister Helen McEntee officially opened the long-awaited Park Rí Destination Stop and Food Court in Kells in a socially distanced event with staff in advance of the facility opening to the public tomorrow Wednesday.

The entrepreneurs behind the new business are owner and managing director, Micheál McKeon and directors Damien Duffy and David Quirke.

It stands on a three-acre site on the Cavan Road beside the Aldi Store. The construction of Park Rí started in July 2019, providing more than 50 jobs during the construction phase and the facility now employs 84 local people, 44 full time and 40 part time.

Minister McEntee said: “High quality services like this are essential to ensure customers are properly refuelled, rested and refreshed.

“At a time of uncertainty with Covid, this is a courageous step forward for everyone involved, and I wish all those who will work here well.

“It represents a strong vote of confidence and investment in Kells and North Meath generally. I hope the services of Park Rí act as a gateway to bring people off the M3 Motorway so that they can explore more of what Kells and the wider region have to offer.”

Park Rí has seven different food outlets and a large fuel forecourt that can accommodate cars, trucks and buses.

It sells Circle K fuel and has and a number of ESB electric fast charging points.

The food outlets in Park Rí include Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza and Kanoodle Thai and Vietnamese Food.

It also has a number of new food brands including ‘Kells Kitchen’ that will serve breakfast, brunch and lunch and ‘The Cook of Kells’, a carvery, bistro and evening grill.

The Park Rí “Coffee Spot” is a barista coffee bar serving Essence Coffee roasted locally in Trim.

There is also a convenience store and off-licence, McKeon’s Love Fresh, a sister store to their current one on Bective Street, that will offer food on the go.

According to Micheál McKeon, owner and Managing Director of Park Rí. “The opening of this facility has been a long time coming so we are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome customers, albeit for take-away food while Level 3 Living with COVID-19 current restrictions are in place.

Supermac’s MD, Pat McDonagh said “It is a testament to the hard work and commitment to their business that Micheál, Damien and David are opening a state-of-the-art retail and food facility in these challenging times.

“As businesses we need to adapt to the changing trading environment and it is strong, indigenous enterprises like Park Rí that will lead this country’s economic recovery.”

In compliance with the government guidelines for Level 3 Living with Covid-19, the food in Park Rí is only available for take away basis and Supermac’s and Papa John's Pizza also offer a Drive-Thru option. While current Level 3 restrictions are in place the indoor seating area, but there is an outdoor heated seated area that can accommodate 15 people.