The announcement comes as restrictions on restaurant capacity are set to ease in coming months.

McDonald's has announced plans to create 800 jobs in Ireland, as its workforce expands to over 6,000. The new positions will be in McDonald's restaurants in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. The creation of new jobs comes as Ireland's Covid-19 capacity restrictions ease over the next few months. An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar welcomed the announcement. He said: "Today's announcement of 800 new jobs by McDonald's is a welcoming boost, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to Ireland, where it already has a strong employment presence throughout the country. "As Ireland continues on the path to a full reopening, it is extremely positive news to see companies such as McDonald's planning for expansion and growing its workforce." The CEO of McDonald's UK and Ireland, Paul Pomroy, also commented on the annoucement. He said: "We hire brilliant people from communities across the UK & Ireland based on their qualities, not their qualifications, and we're proud to give people from all backgrounds a start in their careers. Since we first opened our doors in 1977, we've created over 6,000 jobs - giving people the opportunity to train and develop in a flexible environment where everyone can be themselves and excel. "It's fantastic to be able to offer an additional 800 people an opportunity to work with us." Mr Pomroy noted the impact the pandemic has had an impact on employment opportunities in Ireland, He added that McDonald's has a "commitment to innovate and invest in the local communities and economies" that they serve. For more information on working with McDonald's, check out their online careers portal right here.