Deputy Emmet Stagg has expressed his deep disappointment at the announcement by Diageo Ireland of a Review of their Brewing Investment Programme in Ireland because of the current difficult global economic situation.
Last September stated Deputy Stagg Diageo had announced that they would be investing €550 Million in a new State of the Art Brewery, to be known as the ‘Arthur Guinness Brewery', at Leixlip in Co. Kildare. Over 170 jobs were to be provided and the move heralded the return of Guinness to the Town where Arthur Guinness had first opened a Brewery in 1756. In addition to the jobs at the Brewery the project would have provided a considerable boost to the local Economy in terms of construction jobs and spin off jobs. The Live Register Figures for the Maynooth Labour Exchange has more than doubled in the last 12 months going up from 1,767 people signing on to 3,256 people signing on and the New Brewery gave some hope of reversing the tide of unemployment given the fact that the Government seems incapable of managing the economy or reacting to mass job losses.
Whilst the outcome of the Review will not be known for a number of months Deputy Stagg has called on Diageo to fulfil the words of their Irish Chairman when announcing the details of the new brewery last September that they were not only demonstrating their commitment to Ireland but that they were staying true to the roots and heritage of the Guinness Brand and Arthur himself.
In conclusion Deputy Stagg called on the Tanaiste to hold high level talks with Diageo Ireland to ensure that the Investment proceeds and that the Investment remains in the home of Guinness.