Cork, Ireland – – Plans have been submitted to Cork City Council for the development of a drive-thru restaurant complex on the Kinsale Road, featuring branches of fast-food chain KFC and coffee operator Costa Coffee. The proposed location is within the Turners Cross Retail Park, formerly known as the Kinsale Road Retail Park, alongside existing tenants Woodies, Homestore + More, and DID Electrical.
The application, lodged by Motor Services Limited, details plans for two cafe/restaurant units on a section of the retail park’s car park. The development will result in the removal of 72 existing parking spaces, according to documents released by C103.ie. The site is situated at the junction of Musgrave Park and the new Creamfields housing development, a rapidly growing residential area.
This development reflects a continuing trend of drive-thru restaurant expansion in Ireland, catering to consumer demand for convenience and on-the-go dining options. The Kinsale Road area has become a focal point for such developments, with the new complex positioned across from a McDonald’s restaurant on Tramore Road. The proximity to both residential areas and a major retail park suggests a strategic move to capture a broad customer base.
The planning application comes as Cork City Council is also considering other significant infrastructure projects in the area. Notably, approval was granted in for a new Greenway stretching from the Kinsale Road roundabout to Eagle Valley. This €5-million project, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is expected to be completed between mid-2024 and late 2025. While seemingly unrelated, the Greenway’s development could potentially increase foot traffic and visibility for the new restaurant complex, benefiting from increased accessibility.
The timing of this application is also noteworthy given the broader economic context. Ireland’s food and beverage sector has demonstrated resilience in recent years, despite inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. Drive-thru restaurants, in particular, have proven adaptable to changing consumer behaviors, including a preference for contactless service options. The investment by KFC and Costa Coffee signals confidence in the continued growth potential of the Irish market.
Motor Services Limited is seeking planning permission for buildings exceeding four metres in height, incorporating drive-thru access and outdoor seating areas. The plans also include provisions for landscaping and new pedestrian steps, indicating an effort to integrate the development into the existing retail park environment. A decision on the application is expected by .
The Turners Cross Retail Park itself has undergone a rebranding from Kinsale Road Retail Park, reflecting a broader effort to reposition the area as a key commercial hub. The addition of KFC and Costa Coffee is likely to further enhance the park’s appeal to shoppers and diners, potentially attracting additional investment and development in the future.
While the immediate impact of the development will be felt locally, with potential benefits for employment and increased consumer choice, the broader implications for the Cork region’s retail landscape are also significant. The concentration of fast-food and coffee chains along the Kinsale Road could intensify competition among existing businesses, potentially leading to price adjustments and marketing initiatives.
The proposed development also raises questions about the balance between commercial growth and infrastructure capacity. The removal of 72 parking spaces could exacerbate existing congestion issues in the area, particularly during peak hours. However, the proximity of the planned Greenway may offer an alternative transportation option for some customers, mitigating the impact on parking demand.
The application by Motor Services Limited represents a tangible investment in Cork’s commercial infrastructure. The outcome of the planning process will be closely watched by both the retail sector and local residents, as it will shape the future of the Kinsale Road area and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Cork’s urban landscape.
