Supermac’s Pat McDonagh: ‘If I were 25, I’d be on a flight to Sydney or New York tomorrow’
Supermac’s founder Pat McDonagh reports strong financial growth for his business empire but expresses frustration with Ireland's planning and regulatory environment. He is now looking to expand his motorway service station business into the UK and continental Europe.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the challenges faced by domestic entrepreneurs in navigating local planning laws and the potential for capital flight to more business-friendly jurisdictions.
Sitting in the meeting room of the new Banner Plaza outside Ennis, Co Clare , with a large portrait of the late Chuck Feeney behind him, Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh lets out a big laugh when asked if he plans to follow in the footsteps of the US philanthropist he admires.
The article focuses on the perspective of a business owner criticizing government regulation and planning processes.
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