Craft brewery being planned for Dundalk

Faye Healy (pictured) and her sister Katie are behind the recently formed Dundalk Bay Brewing Company

A new craft brewery could be on its way to Dundalk.

Last week the Dundalk Bay Brewing Company applied to Louth County Council for planning permission to change part of a building at the Finnabair Business and Technology Park into a brewing facility.

While the application was deemed invalid by the planning office, it is anticipated that the group will return with a completed application shortly.

Dundalk Bay Brewing Company was set up just last month by locally-based sisters Faye and Katie Healy, from Blackrock, who are also listed as directors of Spectac International Limited on the Coes Road.

The craft beer market has been a major boom in Ireland in recent years, with sales this year expected to be up five-fold on 2013.

Dundalk, of course, has a wealth of brewing experience having employed hundreds at the Great Northern Brewery on the Carrick Road and MacArdle Moore Brewery on the Ardee Road, both of which have now closed.

Dundalk company manufacturing new craft brewery in Kildare

Dundalk-based company Spectac International are currently in the process of manufacturing a new craft brewery for Rye River Brewery in Kilcock, Co Kildare.

This will be the first commercial brewery to be made in Ireland for more than 100 years and Spectac managing director Tony Healy said his firm, who are located on the Coes Road, were delighted to be involved in the project.

“We were introduced to the guys at Rye River Brewing and we knew that they had a great vision. We are delighted to be working with them in this brewery project. It’s an exciting time for both Rye River and Spectac International as this will be our showcase craft brewery when it is in production for years to come”, said Tony.

The brewery will be producing beer by the end of February and they also plan on opening a café and brewery shop this summer.

Spectac director Faye Healy said the brewery would be a focal point for tourists and all who love craft beer.

“This will promote Spectac International’s capabilities in the brewing industry and it will also give us the exposure for more business from brewers and entrepreneurs in the future,” she said.

Spectac International’s Brewhouse will be capable of making three brews per day (1 Brew = 25HL) for stout, lager and ale and will be a fully automated PLC system with CIP set-up.