Irish fast food chain Supermac’s today announced the development of a €7 million “travel plaza” in Moneygall, Co Offaly.

The development – news of which comes one month before the visit of the US president Barack Obama to the town - will bring more than 50 jobs to the area.

A further 70 to 80 jobs will be created during the development and building stages of the project, the company said.

The new plaza will be located on a 12 acre site along the M7 motorway between Dublin and Limerick.

The “motorway services facility” will include a Supermac’s and a Papa John’s Pizza restaurant, along with a food court, a convenience shop and fuel pumps.

“We hope to provide much needed employment and an economic boost by attracting visitors to Moneygall, which is already on the map as the birthplace of President Obama’s ancestors” said Supermac’s founder and managing director Pat McDonagh.

The travel plaza is expected to be open for business sometime in early next year.