This article is from page 11 of the 2014-08-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
A LOCAL entrepreneur is attempting to capitalise on the popularity of craft beer after plans were lodged for Kilmaley’s first microbrewery.
Planning permission is being sought to change the use of existing sheds from agricultural to microbrewery at Kilclogher, Kilmaley.
Michael Eustace from the Lahinch Road in Ennis is the man behind the mico-brewery proposal.
In his application to the council, Mr Eustace states that the proposed brewery would be a “quite small” operation initially.
However, he states that if the business were to become a success, he would hope to expand the brewery’s product range.
“It is our intention to operate the micro-brewery in a manner which would have as little negative effect on our local environment as possible,” Mr Eustace states.
“All of our spent grains will be used to feed cattle which are farmed on the family farm.
“All water used for cleaning will be collected in our proposed holding tank and transferred to the slatted house where it will be mixed with animal waste to be used as fertiliser for the farm land.”
Mr Eustace states that the use of an “independent locally sourced supply of water for the microbrewery” would be a “unique aspect of this proposed brewery”.
He continues, “The increase in traffic to and from the area as a result of the micro brewery will also be negligible as outlined in the planning application. By their very nature, microbreweries are not designed or capable of producing beer on a large enough scale to cause severe disruption or congestion within the local area. There is already a large concrete paved yard in front of the existing shed, which will be more than sufficient to cater for all traffic coming to the microbrewery.
Mr Eustace states that the number of people working in the proposed microbrewery will be quite small, “1-2 for the foreseeable future”.
He adds, “If the brewery were to be quite successful we would hope to renovate the old dwelling house to enable us to expand our product range.
“We are aware that this would be subject to a new planning application”.
Ireland has experienced a craft beer boom in recent years with dozens of micro-breweries currently in operation throughout the country.