AN ICONIC site in Enniskillen could be the new site of a well-known fast-food chain – serving up 65 new full- and part-time jobs in the process – if plans for a new drive-thru are approved.

The Impartial Reporter can exclusively reveal that McDonald’s Restaurants, the world-renowned fast-food chain which has been a popular fixture in the town at Cathcart Square, is due to submit development plans for planning approval in the coming weeks to move a short distance down the road to the former TP Topping site.

A McDonald’s spokesperson told this paper: “McDonald’s can confirm that we are close to submitting an application at this site. If approved, we believe the restaurant would bring investment to the community, as well as creating 65 new full and part-time jobs.”

The ambitious plan would, if approved, see a significant investment from the global fast food giant at the site of the former well-known car dealership, TP Topping.

The dealership closed its doors for the last time in the summer of 2019, having been in operation since 1931, and the search has been on to find a new business for the site since.

The site was bought by long-standing local property investor David Mahon and he has now struck a deal with McDonald’s Restaurants for a part of the site.

Mr. Mahon described the agreement between himself and McDonald’s as “a tasty deal”.

Working alongside the two parties was William McFarland from Eadie, McFarland & Co, and he said all parties were delighted that the deal has been agreed between both parties.

“McDonald’s have agreed to purchase the front one-acre plot of the former TP Toppings car dealership site to redevelop to provide Enniskillen with their latest generation drive-thru restaurant,” said William.

McDonald’s were advised by Jago Bret, of Avison Young, and David Mahon was advised by William, of Eadie McFarland & Co.

William continued: “It is exciting to see this important gateway site proposed for a much needed McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant.

“It is one of the most important sites at the entrance to the town and is to be redeveloped for a use which is badly needed in the town.”

“McDonald’s will submit their planning application, and the sale is subject to planning permission.”

There has been much talk and speculation about the future of the TP Topping site since it closed and it has been closely linked in with what the future of the town centre of Enniskillen could look like.

William believes that keeping McDonald’s close to the town centre is vitally important, and that the bigger site will attract more people to that part of the town.

The plans to be submitted show TP Topping will be demolished to make way for the restaurant, drive-thru and car parking – something that has been an issue at the current McDonald’s site just yards away on the busy Dublin Road.

There are two remaining parts to the site still available, and William has confirmed they are currently in negotiations with a national retailer not already trading in Co. Fermanagh for the remaining space.