The Plaza Group Opens New Ennis Service Station
Creating 120 Jobs
The Plaza Group has opened a new €20 million service station on the M18 to the east of Ennis, creating 120 jobs.
The Banner Plaza is at junction 14 on the motorway linking Galway and Limerick.
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, officially opened €20 million Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18.
The official opening marked a major milestone for the Atlantic Corridor, with Banner Plaza now providing services on what had been a 100-kilometre stretch of motorway between Limerick and Galway without a service station.
Guests gathered at the new facility for the formal opening ceremony on November 7th, which celebrated both the scale of the investment and the significance of the development for motorists, commuters, tourism traffic and the wider region. The occasion also highlighted the local contribution behind the project, with many Clare-based contractors, suppliers and professional firms involved in bringing Banner Plaza from planning stage to completion.
The Plaza Group operates a number of motorway service stations around the country, including the famous Barack Obama Plaza.
Pat McDonagh owns the group, in addition to the Supermacs fast food chain.
He said, “This development finally brings services to what was effectively a 100km stretch of motorway without a proper service facility.
“We are also very proud that this project has created 120 jobs and involved many local contractors and professional firms in Clare and the wider region.
“For many years, motorists travelling between Limerick and Galway had limited opportunities to safely stop, rest and refuel. Banner Plaza now fills that gap with a modern facility designed to serve the needs of road users, families, hauliers, tourists and local communities.
“We are also very proud that this development has created 120 jobs and that many local contractors, suppliers and professional firms from Clare and the surrounding area played such an important role in delivering it.”
Alongside petrol and diesel pumps, the service stations also has eight “super-fast” EV charging points and a large food court.
“It was a pleasure to officially open Banner Plaza today and to mark such a significant investment in infrastructure along the Atlantic Corridor,” said Minister Darragh O’Brien.
“This is an important development for the many people who travel this route every day. It provides a safe, modern and convenient place to stop and take a break, while also representing a strong vote of confidence in regional growth and investment.
“The creation of 120 jobs and the scale of the investment here also underline the important role private enterprise can play in supporting national infrastructure and regional development.”
The Banner County
The Banner Plaza, located on the M18 Motorway at Junction 12 in Ennis, Co. Clare, is the newest addition to The Plaza Group. Taking its name from Clare’s proud nickname, “The Banner County,” this modern service station celebrates local heritage while offering everything travellers need in one convenient stop.
The plaza features a vibrant food court with Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Mac’s Place Deli, Moo Parlour, Supersubs, Mama Rich’s Asian Cuisine, and a Brú Barista Coffee counter, all complemented by a spacious and comfortable seating area.
Visitors will also find a Spar convenience store and Texaco fuel pumps, open daily from 6am to 12am, with a 24-hour service hatch for added convenience. The plaza also provides EV charging points for electric vehicles, along with dedicated parking for trucks and buses.
The Banner Plaza Opens at Junction 12 on the M18
The Plaza Group officially opens its newest motorway service area at Junction 12 on the M18 near Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday, 7 November 2025
The Banner Plaza combines a wide range of trusted Irish and local food brands under one roof, including Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, BRÚ – an exciting new premium barista coffee and a modern convenience offer. The site also features EV charging bays, ample parking for cars and HGVs, and bright, comfortable seating areas designed for families, commuters and professional drivers alike.
Among the new additions to the Plaza Group’s food offering is Mama Rich, a family-owned Asian restaurant originally established in Woodquay, Galway, and operated by Rebecca and Kevin Tan. The inclusion of Mama Rich reflects the Group’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and offering customers a diverse range of dining options.
Pat McDonagh, Managing Director of The Plaza Group, said that the opening of the Banner Plaza marks an important milestone for both the company and the Clare region.
“The Banner Plaza represents choice, convenience and quality for everyone using the M18 and for the local community here in Clare. We’re proud to have worked with local partners and suppliers to deliver a facility that will serve the travelling public and support local employment for many years to come.”
The Plaza has been designed with clean, modern facilities, spacious seating and easy access off the motorway. It will also host a range of community initiatives and fundraising events throughout the year, in keeping with The Plaza Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting local clubs, charities and schools.
- Facilities at Banner Plaza include:
- Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli and Mama Rich Asian Kitchen
- BRÚ Premium coffee and convenience retail
- EV charging bays and full-service fuel forecourt
- Ample car, coach and HGV parking
- Accessible and family-friendly facilities
