THE west Fermanagh area is set for a massive boost as a brand new £5 million Whiskey distillery is to be built in Garrison.
Scott’s Irish Whiskey have confirmed that they are going to build Fermanagh’s first whiskey distillery which will provide 25 full time jobs over the next two years.
The £5 million distillery will be built on a 25 acre green field site in Garrison which will also create construction jobs.
It is believed that the distillery will produce Whiskey, Vodka and Gin.
It is hoped that the whiskey will be launched in December 2021, and Scotts Irish Whiskey already has established distribution partners in America, Spain Russia and China.
Speaking to the Herald, Angus Scott of Scotts Irish Whiskey said, “It is an exciting time. It is a massive boost for the area. The Garrison area has become decimated over the past number of years as people have had to leave the area because the jobs are not there – we are hoping to address that.
“We have a 25 acre site so this is the initial phase but we are hoping to expand beyond that over the coming years. We received planning permission for the distillery and we are now waiting on the distribution warehouse which is imminent and once that is through we will commence the build. There will also be construction jobs, along with people employed in the distillery and warehouse.”
The company is run by a number of London based backers and financiers, and one of the people involved has a Garrison connection and identified the site as a possible location.
Local Councillor John Coyle, pictured, has welcomed the news of the distillery being built in the area. “It is fantastic news for the area. The expected jobs will be a boost to the local area around Belleek and Garrison. Jobs are not plentiful in the area, and we want to keep as many people here and provide a vibrant and rural community, It is great that the company is investing money in the area, and if Fermanagh can have a unique whiskey, it will promote the area to tourists,” said Cllr Coyle.
The distillery will be mainly export focused with some available for the local market.
Mr Scott continued, “The site was acquired about five years ago – it was originally zoned for housing in the boom days. When the investors saw the site, they thought it would make a wonderful location for the distillery. It has a water fall and the river runs through it with stunning views over Lough Melvin. At some point, we hope to introduce a hydro-electric scheme which will power the distillery so we will have a very green and environmental friendly production method.”
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