Construction work has commenced on Diageo's new €200 million state-of-the-art carbon neutral brewery in Littleconnell, Newbridge, County Kildare.

Martin Heydon, Minister of State for Agriculture and TD for Kildare South, participated in a ground-breaking ceremony at Littleconnell, highlighting the government's strong endorsement of the brewery project. The facility is set to create up to 1000 jobs, both on-site and off-site, during its construction phase. Crucial backing from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland has also been pivotal in advancing the new brewery initiative.

The upcoming facility will produce a range of lagers and ales, such as Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwick's, Kilkenny and Carlsberg. With a capacity of 2 million hectolitres, it will rank as Ireland's second largest brewing operation after St. James's Gate, supporting the continued growth of Diageo Ireland's beer brands.

The state-of-the-art brewery will be powered with 100% renewable energy and will harness the latest process technology to minimise overall energy and water consumption. The target date for the brewery to begin production is 2026 and it will facilitate the growth of overall beer exports from Ireland. It will also facilitate enhanced capacity for the production of the fast-growing Guinness 0.0 at the traditional home of Guinness at St James’s Gate in Dublin.

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Colin O'Brien, Category Head – Global Beer Supply, Diageo said: "Following the announcement of our plans to construct this new brewery in 2022, we are delighted to have reached this significant landmark through the beginning of construction works. As a global business this new brewery is a major development for Diageo in Ireland and around the world. It helps us continue to produce some of the world’s most recognisable beer brands and sets new standards for sustainable production in keeping with our 'Society 2030: Spirit of Progress' commitments to become net-zero in our direct operations’’

"I want to thank the Government, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and the local community for the support they have given the new brewery to date, and I look forward to the first lagers and ales being produced here in two years' time."

Minister of State for Agriculture and TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, said: "This €200m investment by Diageo is hugely important and is great news for Ireland’s food and drink industry and also for the local economy and community here in Kildare. I want to thank Diageo for their commitment to the local area and for the jobs and activity that this new brewery will generate."

Jenny Melia, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, added: "Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies in the transition towards a low-carbon economy, and we are delighted to work with Diageo on this important development; a state-of-the-art carbon neutral brewery, that will be powered by 100% renewable energy. Diageo continues to show leadership in investing in the highest sustainability standards, and this new brewery will make an important contribution to the local economy, supporting value added exports, creating high quality jobs."

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council stated: "Kildare County Council is delighted that construction work and the development of this new brewery in Littleconnell is now underway. The County Council has worked closely with Diageo on this project that will provide employment for and investment in the local community in Newbridge and throughout Kildare. It is a real vote of confidence for the entire county to have such a major company that produces iconic brands locating a brand-new facility here in Kildare."