Barack Obama Plaza opens today

The Barack Obama Plaza at the Moneygall junction off the M7 opens today (Friday). It brings with it employment for an estimated 70 people locally, including President Obama’s eighth cousin Henry Healy from Moneygall - its new manager.

The long-awaited motorway services station and food court also incorporates a visitor centre commemorating the visit of American President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to President Obama’s ancestral birthplace in Moneygall.

Pat and Una McDonagh of the Supermac’s Group are the duo behind the Barack Obama Plaza.

“We are thrilled with how the Barack Obama Plaza has turned out,” Pat said this week. “We have had excellent local construction workers and suppliers helping to get the development prepared for business and now, as the doors open on Friday, we have a dedicated team in place to greet and look after each customer as they arrive.'

The plaza includes a community facilities area and meeting rooms as well as a visitor centre. Facilities for motorists include a deli, Supermac's, Papa John's Pizza, Super Subs, Tim Horton's, a Topaz fuel station and a Spar convenience shop.

Full details on the plaza are in today's free edition of the Offaly Independent.