Minister Martin Heydon has welcomed the news
The construction of Diageo's new €200 million brewery at Littleconnell in Newbridge is to go ahead, after the sole objection to the project was withdrawn.
The facility on the 50 acre site will be Diageo’s second largest brewing operation in Ireland after St James’s Gate.
It's estimated it will create up to 1,000 jobs in the construction phase followed by 70 direct jobs once built.
Speaking following the announcement, Minister Martin Heydon said, “The withdrawal of the sole objection to this important project, is great news for all of South Kildare and the wider tillage sector.
“Kildare County Council and An Bord Pleanala both thoroughly adjudicated on this planning application from Diageo and approved it. The ending of the High Court appeal clears the way for diggers to move in on site in the coming weeks.”
“Diageo’s decision to invest in this site in Newbridge is a huge vote of confidence in Kildare South as a location for investment and employment.
Concluding, Minister Heydon stated “This project will be transformational for our county, increasing the economic value of our food and drink sector, along with the provision of good jobs in Kildare. I look forward to seeing Ireland's first carbon neutral brewery come to fruition for the benefit of Kildare South and Ireland.”