McDonald’s Irish operation generates profits of €11m

THE Irish operation of international fast food giant McDonald’s generated after-tax profits of €11.1 million last year, according to its latest accounts.

That figure was down marginally on 2009, when the Irish division of the restaurant chain recorded profits of €11.5m.

Turnover for 2010 amounted to €85m, meanwhile, with management pleased with results given the harsh economic climate.

“This is a strong performance across our Irish operations and has been achieved against a backdrop of very challenging economic conditions and low consumer confidence. In addition to this, unfavourable weather conditions at the end of 2010 only served to add to those challenges,” said McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland managing director Adrian Crean.

“Despite this, McDonald’s has sought new ways to attract more customers through the introduction of new products at affordable prices, such as wraps. Certain products, like our coffee items, have experienced double-digit growth since they were introduced into Ireland,” he added.

Dublin-born Mr Crean is the first Irish managing director of McDonald’s Ireland and his appointment was only announced yesterday.

However, he has been with the company since 1997, having most recently acted as finance director. He succeeds John Atherton, who has moved to head up the group’s operations in Sweden.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Crean said that the company’s strong sales trends have continued into 2011, across all of its outlets.

McDonald’s currently operates 81 outlets in the Republic — the latest one opening in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin, last month.