McDonald's is to launch its first fully vegan meal in Ireland next year.

Veggie Dippers will go on sale from January 2nd, with a Happy Meal option also available

The new dippers are made with red pepper, rice, sundried tomato pesto and split peas surrounded by breadcrumbs.

These have been accredited by The Vegan Society.

Customers will be able to order a fully vegan meal for the first time when the Veggie Dippers are teamed with a Vegan Society approved fries and any of the soft drink options and sauces.

Thomas O'Neill is head of food marketing at McDonald's Ireland and UK.

He said: "In the last 12 months we've seen an 80% uplift in customers ordering vegetarian options at McDonald's, so it is time for the brand famous for the dippable McNugget to launch a dippable option for our vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian customers.

"The Veggie Dippers are a delicious addition to our menu and we're looking forward to seeing what customers make of our first vegan Extra Value Meal and Happy Meal in the new year."

The Veggie Dippers can be bought as part of a meal, a Happy Meal or they can be purchased separately.

McDonald's announcement comes after rival Burger King introduced its plant-based 'Rebel Whopper' here.