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Council refuses Walsh Whiskey distillery plans
Planning permission for a new €35 million (US$37m) distillery in Ireland for Walsh Whiskey has been denied by County Carlow Council.
Parent company Amber Beverage Group revealed plans to build a new distillery and visitor centre for the Irish whiskey maker in October 2023.
The new Walsh Whiskey Distillery in Dunleckney, Ireland, would have been located on an 18th-century site by the River Barrow in County Carlow.
The planning application was filed in April last year and was denied planning approval on 24 March 2025.
The council cited several factors for the decision, including issues over water supply and the use of biofuel.
The notice for the decision said that the development had the “potential to negatively impact on yield for the public water supply in the town” due to the location of a private borehole.
The council also cited “insufficient information” over the possibility of a connection to the Uisce Éireann infrastructure network in the area in relation to water supply and public wastewater collection.
It also noted that the Planning Authority had inadequate information over the “full nature and extent of the proposed development within the scope of the Chemicals Act”. As such, the council noted that the development would be “prejudicial to public health and safety”.
The council’s decision notice also highlighted that the development’s use of biofuel/light diesel oil instead of gas had not been assessed in the submitted Natura Impact Statement.
‘Naturally disappointed’
John Griffin, CEO of Walsh Whiskey, said: “We appreciate the careful consideration that Carlow County Council has given to our planning application for a world-class Irish whiskey distillery. While we are naturally disappointed with the decision, we respect their process, and the diligence involved.
“As with any project of this scale, there are many factors and stakeholders to consider. We are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with all parties involved, and we are confident that the concerns raised are not insurmountable. Our team is dedicated to addressing these matters collaboratively.
“Looking ahead, we remain enthusiastic about our ambitious vision and are committed to turning it into a reality.
“We are optimistic about the future and are eager to work towards a positive resolution and continuing our journey towards international growth for our award-winning Writers’ Tears and Irishman brands.”
Amber Beverage Group planned to produce Walsh Whiskey’s two flagship Irish whiskey brands at the new distillery: Writers’ Tears and The Irishman. It was also set to produce four million litres of pure alcohol per year.
Jekaterina Stuģe, Amber Beverage Group’s CEO at the time of the announcement, said the site would “preserve the heritage of the historic site at Dunleckney, while introducing high-end production capabilities, married with a modern design”.
Amber Beverage Group acquired Walsh Whiskey in November 2021 for an undisclosed amount.
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