Wicklow could lead the way for other counties in Ireland by creating a ‘no-fry zone' close to schools in order to protect children's health.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Policy Group on Obesity has made a submission as part of the public consultation process on the new Wicklow County Development Plan. This submission supports the exclusion of new fast-food outlets within 400m of any schools, playgrounds or parks, excluding premises zoned town centre.

The policy group is made up of doctors and other healthcare professionals who are experts in this area, including consultant endocrinologist, Prof Donal O'Shea. He emphasised that Wicklow has ‘a real opportunity to lead by example in this case and to show the way for other counties in Ireland to introduce similar restrictions'.

"Levels of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions are already very high in Ireland. We need to act now to reduce those levels for future generations. These are exactly the type of infrastructural changes that Oklahoma City made when going from being the fattest city in the US to one of the fittest cities as it is now," he explained.

He pointed out that planning has a ‘key role' to play in supporting health within the community.

Currently in Ireland, one in four children is overweight or obese and often, an obese child remains obese in adulthood.

"As a result they will suffer health complications throughout their lives. Their potential contribution to the workforce will be impacted and their healthcare costs will be extortionate.

"Figures from the World Health Organization show that Ireland has alarming rates of obesity. Immediate action is essential to reverse those statistics. We have a responsibility to our children to protect them from those high fat, high sugar foods and encourage healthy, accessible foods," Prof O'Shea said.

Also speaking about this issue, Prof Catherine Hayes of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine, said that it is ‘crucial' that changes are made at community level, as this will help to facilitate healthier choices for children.

"The physical environment is central to this. Wicklow can now demonstrate leadership by committing to the long-term health and wellbeing of its local communities," she added.