An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for Diageo to build Ireland’s first purpose-built carbon-neutral brewery on a greenfield site in Littleconnell, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
The €200 million facility will brew lagers and ales, including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny and Carlsberg.
When fully operational, with a capacity of two million hectolitres, it will be the second-largest brewing operation in Ireland, after St James’s Gate.
Planning Application
Diageo submitted a planning application to Kildare County Council in September of 2022.
The drinks giant plans to commence brewing in 2024, following a construction period of approximately two years.
‘Local Economy’
“This €200 million investment by Diageo is really great news for the future development of Ireland’s thriving food-and-drink industry, and also for the wider national economy,” said the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, at the time.
“It’s also extremely positive for Newbridge and the local economy in Kildare, with up to 1,000 jobs being created during the construction of the site, and 50 once built.”
Renewable Energy
Diageo noted that the brewery will be powered with 100% renewable energy and will harness the latest process technology, to minimise overall energy and water consumption.
This will enable the brewery to avoid up to 15,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
‘Integrated Approach’
“Our plans for a new, state-of-the-art brewery in Kildare, and the developments at St James’s Gate, will enable growth in overall beer exports from Ireland,” said Colin O’Brien, category head, global beer supply, Diageo.
“We are fully committed to embedding sustainability across our business, from grain to glass, and this announcement represents the next step in our integrated approach towards achieving one of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress commitments by becoming carbon neutral in our direct operations.”
