Kildare TD says he is ‘disappointed’ over delay affecting proposed €200 million Newbridge brewery

A Kildare TD had admitted that he is 'disappointed' by the delay in Diageo's proposed €200 million brewery for Newbridge. 

The Irish Times reported on Thursday, September 14 that a representative for the company warned that further delays to its planned carbon-neutral brewery would 'jeopardise the rationale for this €200m investment in Ireland.'

Planning permission for the project was previously granted back in March of this year.

When asked for comment about the situation by the Leinster Leader, Fine Gael TD for Kildare-South Martin Heydon, who has been a vocal supporter of the project, replied: "I am disappointed about the length of time it is taking to get a decision on the proposed Diageo Brewery in Kildare by An Bord Pleanala. 

"Working closely with Diageo in my role as a Government Minister, I am aware that they are under significant time pressure to move production of their beers and lagers from St James Gate in Dublin so they have a very tight window for delivery of this €200m investment in South Kildare.

He continued: "Our planning system must deal with applications and appeals in a timely manner to be fair to all who apply or make submissions.

"It would be terrible if this exciting project was lost to Kildare and Ireland but I am hopeful that the new stated deadline for a decision on this vital piece of infrastructure of November 20 will be met."

Fine Gael Minister Martin Heydon at the launch of plans for the brewery back in July 2022.