Measures may be introduced to stop fast food outlets from operating near schools.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald is in talks with Planning Minister Willie Penrose to stop the fast food firms opening near schools.

-- Advertisement --

"We are in discussions with the Department of Environment to see if our planning regulations can be changed to ensure that in decisions about the location of fast food outlets, if there is proximity to a school, that that should be a reason to think again about whether or not it should get planning permission," she said.

The UK government is reviewing similar proposals.

(GK/BMcC)