Plans for first motorway service station unveiled

Ireland’s first motorway service station, with 16 fuel pumps, is to be built on the new M7 near Monasterevin, it emerged today.

A final decision will be made by Kildare County Council executives before September 18 after local councillors unanimously approved planning for the development.

The ambitious Motorway Service Area (MSA) at the Mayfield Interchange will create 100 jobs during construction and 100 full-time posts upon completion.

Since the completion of the Kildare and Monasterevin by-passes last year there had been no petrol stations for motorists nearly 40 miles between Rathcoole Co Dublin and Portlaoise.

The MSA, which will be similar to motorway facilities across mainland Europe, will feature a 16-pump petrol station, a forecourt shop, a food court, a three-storey 107-bed hotel and 386 parking spaces.

Acting Council press officer Ann Rowan said: “The County Manager or an appointed director will make the final decision on the development before September 18.

“Councillors have already voted to rezone the 17-acre site from agricultural to commercial to facilitate the development.”

The filling station will contain toilet and shower facilities, two retail units, a leisure unit and an external play area.

There will also be 16 caravan spaces and an overnight lorry park with capacity for 52 commercial vehicles.

The new development will represent the first major new employment in the area for 50 years.