The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, officially opened the Connacht Whiskey Distillery in Ballina, Co. Mayo on Friday.

The €10m investment will generate 40 new jobs at the 27,000 square feet distillery which also features a visitor centre.
 
The Distillery goes into production in mid-October and expects to produce up to 70,000 cases per year.

It is only the second Connacht-based craft whiskey distillery, and one of a handful of developed craft distilleries across the country.
 
The Taoiseach commented, "I am delighted that the craft of whiskey-making is returning to the West of Ireland and in so doing is creating 40 new jobs.

"It is especially pleasing to see the renewal of what was Duffys' Bakery - we're moving from one grain to another, so to speak - and bringing new life to this scenic location on the banks of the River Moy. 

"This exciting venture brings to fruition the vision of David Stapleton and his US-Irish team and marks a positive development for the agri-food and drinks sector. It is also a vote of confidence in Mayo and yet another sign of the regional recovery that has begun to take hold across Ireland."

Head of Food Division at Enterprise Ireland, Michael Cantwell commented, "The Connacht Whiskey Distillery has cultivated the roots of tradition with ambitious and highly innovative thinking to grow a company with the potential to scale rapidly in international markets from its Ballina base. 

"Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with the company in implementing their plans and we look forward to focusing on driving their export sales, creating and sustaining jobs in Ireland for the future."

Source: www.businessworld.ie