Campaigners in Greystones, Co Wicklow, are seeking a judicial review over the siting of a proposed McDonald’s restaurant in the town.
Residents want a "no fry zone" and say it is disgraceful the multi-national wants to build a fast-food outlet within 300 metres of three schools.
There are also a number of large housing estates nearby.
McDonald’s wants to build a drive-through restaurant on land in Blacklion, Greystones, which is currently owned by supermarket chain Lidl. It is beside the Greystones/Bray road.
After an initial hearing McDonald’s resubmitted a planning application which included a health and fitness area.
An Bord Pleanála has now decided to let the development go ahead.
Objectors said they have no issue with McDonalds coming to Greystones, but do not want it on the site currently proposed.
The site is close to Temple Carrig Secondary School, Greystones Educate Together National School & Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath.
Catherine Sadlier, principal of the Educate Together School, said some of the children's classrooms will be looking out directly on McDonald’s if it is built.
She said she is very disappointed with permission being granted for the development.
In a statement, McDonald's Ireland said it has engaged extensively with Wicklow County Council in advance of obtaining planning permission.
It said the investment of €2m will create 60 jobs in the locality.
It also said that McDonald's often seeks to locate new restaurants close to large retail outlets which are appropriately zoned in accordance with planning guidelines, while at the same time having the capacity to facilitate a drive-through.
Proximity to schools is not a factor in assessing suitable locations for new restaurants, it said.
But Basil Miller, one of the objectors, disagreed, and quoted from an online CBS news report from America from 11 December last year which he said shows that McDonald’s said it wants to be in schools.
Lidl, which owns the land where the restaurant is going, said no final decision has been made as to what to it is going to do.
Also against the proposal are residents groups of three housing developments in the direct vicinity - Blacklion Manor Residents Committee, Redford Park & St Crispins Residents Association & Rathdown Park Residents Association.
The three sitting North Wicklow TDs, Anne Ferris, Simon Harris and Stephen Donnelly, are also against it, as are all six councillors across five parties in the Greystones Municipal District Council.
