The company that owns Guinness has announced plans to lay off 250 workers as
part of a restructuring of its Irish operations. Diageo also announced plans
to invest £514.7m in its Irish beer business.
Despite speculation about a possible closure, the company says the famous St
James' Gate brewery in Dublin will be upgraded and consolidated. It will
produce Guinness primarily for the Irish and British markets.
The opening of the Dublin brewery will signal the closure of the company’s
sites in Kilkenny and Dundalk. Diageo said affected employees will be
offered relocation opportunities where possible.
Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh said: “Over the last 12 months we have
conducted a rigorous review of our brewing operations in Ireland.
“It examined many options and I believe it has identified the right formula
for the long-term success of our business in Ireland and for the continued
global success of the Guinness brand.
“Our ambition is to combine the most modern brewing standards with almost
300 years of brewing tradition, craft and heritage.”
The Republic's minister for enterprise, trade and tmployment, Mary
Coughlan, said: “This is a major investment that secures the future
of brewing in Ireland. I welcome the company’s intention to retain and
upgrade the St James’s Gate brewery which is of great historic
significance to Dublin."
Ms Coughlan also acknowledged the recognition by Diageo that on completion
of the project in 2013 there will be a net reduction employment.
“While this is five years away it is very important that the impact on
employment is minimised and my Department will work closely with the company
to secure the best possible outcome.”
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