DUBLIN, Ireland: Diageo will develop a new Guinness brewery in Co Kildare over the next three years.
Construction of the new facility will start this year, with an investment of 400 million euros at the Littleconnell site in Newbridge.
This is in addition to another 300 million euros spent on building a modern brewery for lagers and ales at the same location. The brewery was officially opened on May 11 by Ireland's prime minister, Micheál Martin, and Diageo's chief executive, Dave Lewis.
Micheál Martin said the project shows strong confidence in Ireland's future as a leading, environmentally friendly exporter of food and drink.
The brewery was built in less than 18 months. Diageo says it runs entirely on renewable electricity and has created 50 skilled permanent jobs.
It will produce beers such as Rockshore, Harp, and Smithwicks, as well as licensed drinks like Carlsberg.
Diageo has also received approval to build a second brewery, called "Brewery 2," which will double the site's capacity and focus on making Guinness and Guinness 0.0.
The company said that, alongside upgrades at its Dublin and Belfast sites, it plans to invest nearly one billion euros across Ireland until 2029.
Martin added that this large investment will create skilled jobs, support regional growth, increase exports, and help Ireland meet its climate goals through new technology.
Dave Lewis said demand for Guinness and Guinness 0.0 is growing quickly. He added that the company is proud to open the new facility, especially since it is located in County Kildare, where Arthur Guinness was born.
