Irish Distillers have today announced they will be expanding their operations at the Fox and Geese bottling plant, creating 60 permanent positions and 250 construction jobs in the process.

Catherine Byrne of Dublin's Fine Gael said: "This is great news for the company involved and an important boost for the local economy. We may not be talking about large job numbers here, but announcements like these from Irish-based companies are very encouraging.

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"Today's announcement will bring the total Irish workforce of Irish Distillers, which is owned by drinks giant Pernod Ricard, to 560 people. The company says it has taken the decision to expand its operations here due to the popularity of the Jameson whiskey brand worldwide. As a small open economy we need to do all we can to support export-led companies based here.

"As well as the 60 permanent jobs being created, 250 people will be employed during the construction phase of the expansion."

The operation will also see the creation of 30 jobs in Midleton, Cork.

With construction beginning early next year, this expansion aims to triple sales of Jameson Whiskey by over nine million cases by 2020.

(HMcE)