BREAKING: Diageo want to extend Guinness brewery in Kildare

Diageo today announced its intention to submit a planning application to expand its state-of-the-art, zero carbon brewery in Littleconnell, Co. Kildare.

The proposed expansion would more than double the brewery’s capacity to 4.5 million hectolitres.

This development forms part of Diageo’s long-term plan to increase capacity and flexibility to support future growth opportunities as they arise.

Littleconnell has been designed with energy and water efficiency at its core. Once operational, it will set a new standard as the most energy and water efficient brewery in both Ireland and Diageo’s global network.

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In addition to the production of lagers and ales, Littleconnell will become a production hub for Guinness and Guinness 0.0 growth in emerging markets. St. James’s Gate will remain the heart and soul of Guinness, continuing to brew for its largest and most established markets, including Ireland, the UK and the US. Diageo’s commitment to this iconic site—its heritage, its legacy, and its future—remains stronger than ever.

While the realisation and timings of this expansion will depend on a number of external factors, it reflects Diageo’s long-standing commitment to Ireland and reinforces the country’s position as a strategic base for sustainable export-led growth.

Diageo’s Global Head of Beer Supply, Colin O’Brien said:

“This planned expansion at Littleconnell is designed to position us for future global growth opportunities for Guinness and Guinness 0.0. By increasing our capacity, we can better serve emerging markets while strengthening Ireland’s position as a leading market for beer exports. It’s a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable brewing and will be an industry gold standard for energy and water efficiency.”

Construction of the Littleconnell brewery began in June 2024 and it is expected that first brew for lagers and ales will take place in early 2026.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, T.D. for Kildare South, has welcomed the plans by Diageo.

Minister Heydon said: "Diageo's plans to more than double the size of the current brewery, which is under construction in Littleconnell, Newbridge represents a massive vote of confidence in Kildare South. Construction on the site began in 2024 and it is expected that the first brewing will take place in early 2026.

“In all of my engagement with Diageo I’ve seen the ability for their investment to grow in south Kildare. There will also be spin off investment and job creation across south Kildare associated with such a significant expansion of their planned activity in Kildare.

"As Minister for Agriculture I am committed to growing the economic value of our food and drink sector, and the jobs that follow from that. Diageo has identified Ireland and in particular south Kildare as a strategic base for its operation. There is a real economic, employment and reputational boost for Kildare South from this decision which highlights Kildare South as a great location to invest, employ and do business in”.