Distillery investment to create 55 jobs in Carlow

Walsh Whiskey Distillery has unveiled a €25m investment at their Carlow plant which will create 40 temporary construction jobs and 55 permanent ones.

The family-owned company, which distils whiskeys including The Irishman and Writerṣ Tears, is building a new distillery at Royal Oaks as well as a visitors' centre.

It comes on the back of a partnership with Italian drinks giant Illva Saronno, who look after brands like Tia Maria and Disaronno.

"The investment will facilitate the development of a world-class, independent, craft Irish whiskey distillery; maturation warehouses and a unique visitor experience by the banks of the River Barrow in Royal Oak, County Carlow by 2016," a statement said.

The announcement was welcomed by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton.