SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the news that Niche Drinks is to invest £10m in a new build whiskey distillery in Derry which will create a number of construction and indigenous manufacturing jobs in the city.

He said: "This is a very welcome investment by a local company of proven performance.

"As local MP I have taken prominent visitors to see the company’s operations at their existing site and they, like me, have always been impressed by the quality, volume and value of the business.

"The firm were also sharing with us that they were feeling the constraints and age of the Rossdowney plant.

"I am glad that they have now lined up a suitable site for the modern industrial operation and expansion of their business.

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"Their strong supply of quality product to so many multiples will be sustained in the new state-of-the-art site.

"Their operation and their offer will be enhanced by the welcome establishment of their own industrial distillery.

"As a major purchaser of Irish whiskey in making their current product it now makes sense for them to make some of their own.

"In a changing market there will be opportunities to supply spirits to market as well as for their own cream liqueur production.

"These strengths should be recognised as a quiet local success story. They have used innovation, variation and reliability to give themselves a strong market base and turn in a strong export performance.

"Their product range and international reach are impressive already and can only grow with these new plans.

"The owners and management deserve every congratulation on their success to date and every encouragement in their new investment.

"The solid workforce who have been delivering productivity and quality, are to be commended for helping to produce this new investment with the prospect of more employment for the future."

(CD)