New €20M Motorway Plaza Opens, Creating 120 Jobs | Limerick-Galway Route

A new €20 million motorway service station has officially opened on the M18, marking a significant infrastructure investment between Limerick and Galway. The facility, known as the Banner Plaza, commenced operations on Thursday, April 2, 2026, creating 120 new jobs in the region. The development is situated to the east of Ennis at Junction 12 on the motorway, filling a critical gap in services along the Atlantic Corridor.

The project represents a major expansion for The Plaza Group, which owns and operates multiple motorway service stations across the country. The group is owned by Pat McDonagh, who is also the proprietor of the Supermacs fast food chain. This latest opening adds to the company’s portfolio, which includes notable locations such as the Barack Obama Plaza in Offaly. The official opening confirms reports circulated earlier in the week regarding the finalization of the development.

Infrastructure and Service Capabilities

The Banner Plaza is located at Kilbreckan, Doora, in County Clare, adjacent to the M18 road. The site provides fuel services including petrol and diesel, alongside a large food court. In line with modern transportation trends, the service station is equipped with eight super-fast EV charging points. This infrastructure aims to support the increasing volume of traffic utilizing the motorway link between Galway and Limerick.

Pat McDonagh highlighted the necessity of the development for motorists traveling through the region. He noted that the area previously lacked adequate facilities for a significant distance. Regarding the impact on the local workforce and supply chain, McDonagh emphasized the involvement of regional businesses in the construction phase.

This development finally brings services to what was effectively a 100km stretch of motorway without a proper service facility. We are also very proud that this project has created 120 jobs and involved many local contractors and professional firms in Clare and the wider region.

Pat McDonagh, The Plaza Group

Planning History and Regulatory Approvals

The path to the official opening involved a prolonged planning process spanning approximately a decade. Clare County Council initially approved the company’s plans for the development of a motorway service area and rest area next to Junction 12 in 2020. However, the project faced several objections before reaching the grand opening stage.

Approval was subject to an appeal process that concluded in September 2024. Following this decision, the development defeated a legal challenge brought by Kilfenora engineer Michael Duffy in 2025. Despite these resolutions, regulatory scrutiny continued leading up to the opening. In March 2026, Friends of the Irish Environment launched a bid to take a judicial review against Uisce Éireann. This legal action concerned capacity issues at the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to reports from Clare FM.

Economic Impact on Clare and Munster

The creation of 120 jobs represents a significant employment boost for County Clare and the wider Munster region. The recruitment covers various roles within the service station, food court, and maintenance operations. Beyond direct employment, the project engaged local contractors and professional firms during the construction phase, injecting capital into the local economy prior to the facility becoming operational.

The opening is part of a broader pattern of expansion for Supermac’s and The Plaza Group across Ireland. Reports indicate the company is showing no signs of slowing down after this multi-million euro investment. The service station serves as a key node on the Atlantic Corridor, which carries tens of thousands of vehicles annually between the major urban centers of Galway and Limerick.

By establishing a formal service facility at Junction 12, the Plaza Group addresses a long-standing infrastructure deficit. The 100km stretch previously mentioned by management lacked proper service facilities, necessitating longer drives for motorists requiring fuel or rest. The addition of EV charging points also aligns the facility with national trends toward electrification of the vehicle fleet.

The official opening on Thursday, April 2, 2026, concludes a complex development cycle involving council approvals, appeals, and legal challenges. With the facility now active, the focus shifts to the operational performance of the plaza and its integration into the national network of motorway services. The involvement of local firms in Clare suggests a sustained economic relationship between the operator and the region beyond the initial construction phase.