Brewers stress €1.2bn contribution to economy and call for excise cut

Irish brewing is worth €1.2bn to the exchequer and supports 40,800 jobs, including 4,000 farmers, according to a new report.

The Irish Brewers Association welcomed the report, which shows the brewing sector’s contribution to the Irish economy.

Ernst & Young’s report The Contribution made by Beer to the European Economy, drawn up for the Brewers of Europe, calculates the economic impact of beer production and sales in Ireland as sustaining 40,800 jobs, giving an value-added effect of €1.3bn, and contributing €1.2bn to government revenue via Vat, excise and income-related contributions.