RTE to feature KFC controversy

The controversy over plans to locate a fast food drive-through outlet at the gates of a local school will feature on 'Ear to the Ground’ this Thursday evening, 16th January.

Navan Town Council granted planning permission for a KFC drive-through outlet at Brews Hill, Navan, last October.The proposed site for the development is the former Irish National Forresters Hall site, which has been used a car park in recent years by Navan Town Council. The granting of planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanala and a decision is due on the appeal on 24th March.

In Thursday’s episode of Ear to Ground which airs on RTE One at 8.30pm, Mary Mulligan, principal of St Joseph’s Convent of Mercy, Navan, tells Ella McSweeney about how her own farming background instilled healthy lifestyle habits in her and her mission to share those habits with her students.
She feels that putting such unhealthy food right outside the school gates is irresponsible as children and young people cannot be relied upon to make the most sensible nutrition decisions.
However, Navan, like so many towns across Ireland, has been very badly hit by the recession and local councilor Shane Cassells says that the new branch has the potential to create 40 much sought-after jobs.