MCDONALD’S IS set to begin reopening restaurants in Ireland this coming May, according to the Irish Farmers Journal.
The fast-food giant is reportedly planning to re-open select drive-thru and delivery service from mid-May.
All of their restaurants will remain closed to walk-in customers, with McDonald’s eager to strike a balance between reopening and protecting staff.
According to the Irish Farmers Journal [via The Irish Mirror], the restaurant chain has brought forward its plans to reopen in Ireland, having originally set themselves a return date of July.
McDonald’s closed all of its restaurants on March 23.
Though it had initially planned to continue serving customers via McDelivery and Drive-Thru, the decision was subsequently taken to close all of its outlets.
"This is not a decision we are taking lightly, but one made with the well-being and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers," a statement at the time explained.
"We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days."
McDonald's has already begun to reopen restaurants in France, albeit slowly.
The fast food chain has reopened 30 outlets there, with food only available through drive-thru, staff required to wear face masks and all payments made using contactless technology.