McDonald's confirms it will close drive thrus lanes if queues get out of hand as eight more stores reopen

McDonald's has said it could close down drive thru lanes if queues get out of control.

The fast-food giant reopened a further eight stores in Ireland on Tuesday morning, with more set to get back to business by the end of the week.

It said it is working closely with gardai to ensure no customers or staff are being put at risk during peak periods.

A spokesman said: "With restaurant teams adjusting to new procedures to enable safe working and social distancing, things may take a little longer – and high demand is anticipated.

"The restaurants will be operating with reduced hours, between 11am and 10pm.

Queues for McDonald's have been crazy all over the country since the fast food chain opened up a handful of their drive-thrus (Getty Images)

"McDonald’s and its franchisees are working closely with An Garda Síochána and may determine that it is necessary to close Drive Thru lanes if queues cause disruption at busier sites or put employees or customers at risk."

The announcement comes following a "successful pilot" in May which saw six of the company's restaurants in Dublin reopen under strict new measures.

McDonald’s has introduced a number of changes to its stores, including:

• Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchens and service areas to help create a safe working environment for restaurant teams
• Perspex screens at Drive Thru windows and employees wearing protective equipment, as well as Perspex screens and floor markings in specific areas in the restaurant and kitchen, and
• All McDonald’s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on arrival at work for every shift.

The eight drive-thrus which reopened at 11am on Tuesday are:

• Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Co. Dublin
• Drogheda, The Waterfront, Co. Louth
• Dundalk Drive Thru, Dundalk Shopping Centre, Co. Louth
• Swords Drive Thru, Airside Retail Park, Co. Dublin
• Balbriggan Drive Thru, Millfield Shopping Centre, Co. Dublin
• Kilkenny Drive Thru, Hebron Road, Kilkenny
• Dublin Airport Drive Thru, Corballis Road, Dublin
• Carlow Drive Thru, Rathcrogue, Carlow

The six which reopened on May 20 are located at:

• Nutgrove
• Kylemore Road
• East Wall
• Artaine
• Malahide Road
• Tallaght