Jameson in Midleton gets approval to expand into country's first carbon-neutral distillery
The Jameson makers say the project will create around 100 jobs in East Cork once completed, with some 800 jobs expected during the 29-month construction phase.
Irish Distillers have been given planning permission for a €250m expansion in Midleton, with one of the conditions attached allowing the public to gauge environmental emissions generated by the project.
The makers of popular whiskey brand Jameson said that the proposed development will secure its long-term future in the region and will create around 100 jobs in East Cork once completed. Some 800 jobs are expected during the 29-month construction phase.
Expansion of its current site is essential as the growth in sales showed that it will “shortly outgrow their current operations at Midleton Distillery”, a report on behalf of Irish Distillers by HW Planning said, with the aim to create the first and largest carbon-neutral distillery in Ireland.
The green light for the plans comes with 64 conditions attached by Cork County Council, including payments of just under €2.45m for necessary works to support the development and a programme to ensure members of the public can obtain information concerning all environmental emissions related to the works.
A spokesperson from Irish Distillers said: "Following a planning application process, which included public consultation and engagement with the local community, we can now confirm that Cork County Council have made a decision to grant planning permission."
However, they said they are still in the planning process and await a final grant of planning permission.
"We are hopeful of a final grant of planning permission and look forward to beginning construction of our new distillery.”
The proposed works include a new pot still building to be designed as a “unique feature recognising the industrial and whiskey distilling heritage of Midleton”. A column still building for grain proccessing, a brewhouse building and biogas plant were all also included as part of the planning application.
From a tourism perspective, planners claimed that the expansion would also further advance Midleton’s reputation as “one of the leading tourist and cultural attractions” in Cork.
HW Planning said: “The proposed development will ensure that the almost 200-year history of whiskey production in Midleton continues well into the 21st century. The renaissance in Irish whiskey has been driven from Midleton and by Irish Distillers, and the Jameson brand in particular.
"The proposed development will ensure Irish Distillers doesn’t outgrow its current facility, will secure the long-term future in Midleton and guarantee Midelton’s position in the forefront of one of the country’s most successful exports.”
The planning application took some time to be approved by the council, having first been lodged in March 2023. However, it attached dozens of conditions for Irish Distillers to adhere to including aspects relating to emissions.
The council said: “For the duration of the construction phase, the developer shall put in place a programme to ensure that members of the public can obtain information concerning all emissions.
“The developer shall ensure that a responsible and suitably qualified person is available on the site at all times during which emissions to the environment are occurring. A designated member of the company’s staff shall interface with the planning authority or members of the public in the event of complaints or queries in relation to environmental emissions.”
The green light for the development was hailed as “fantastic news” by Midleton and Area Chamber president Adrianna Hegarty.
“We need a good boost after the flooding last year,” she said. “The distillery is a great support to the town. It’s a great boost, hopefully that will bring footfall to the town which is badly needed.”
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