Expansion plans at Laois factory to create new jobs
First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix lodges plans for factory extension
Plans for an extension at the First Ireland Spirits factory in Abbeyleix have been lodged with Laois County Council and could lead to the creation of new jobs if given the green light.
The Laois company is a leading producer of Irish Cream Liqueurs and Country Creams. Production at the site also includes blending and bottling of some of their Irish Whiskeys and liqueurs, as well as retailer brands for customers across the world.
The planning application seeks permission for an extension to the existing factory building at Tullyroe, Mountrath Road, the provision of a new tank farm and bunded enclosure, the provision of a new material storage facility, new industrial gas storage tank, new firefighting water storage tank, new staff facilities building, an extension to the existing concrete yard area, additional car parking spaces and all other associated site works.
The planning documents state that the extension to the facility will result in approximately twelve additional staff.
“A total of 33 car parking spaces including 2 no. accessible spaces will be provided to cater for the proposed industrial unit,” the application states.
“The existing facility currently employs 52 staff. The facility operates on two shift cycles (6am to 2pm & 2pm to 10pm). The extension to the facility will result in an additional 12 staff.”
The new single storey warehouse extension to the existing factory is to measure 382m2 including the provision of a new loading bay to the rear. A new glass bottle storage warehouse facility is also planned with an area of 340m2 located southeast of the existing factory. The installation of a new ESB transformer and associated infrastructure located to the rear of the existing building is also included in the plans.
A traffic and transport assessment report accompanies the application and outlines that the extension will result in an additional six HGV movements to / from the site per day.
“In 2025, 2030 and 2040 with an increase in background flows and the extension to the facility operational the existing R430 / First Ireland Spirits priority junction will operate within capacity with no queues and minimal delays during the AM and PM peak period.”
A decision is due to be made by September 7, 2025.