Fears for future of Pearse Lyons Brewery in Dundalk

There are fears for the future of around 12 jobs in Dundalk, with reports that the Pearse Lyons Brewery at the Brewery Business Park is to close.

The Dundalk Democrat understands that Alltech, the parent company of the Pearse Lyons Brewery, is planning to discontinue its Irish brewing operations and close its Dundalk plant, which would result in the loss of around 12 jobs. The brewery, which brews the Foxes Rock range of Irish Craft Beers among others, was was originally set up by the late Dr Pearse Lyons in 1992.

Originally from Dundalk, Dr Lyons emigrated to the US, where he set up animal nutrition company Alltech in the 1980s. He also started a brewery and distillery in Kentucky in 1999.Dr Lyons was the first Irishman to achieve a formal degree in brewing and distilling from the British School of Malting and Brewing.

Alltech Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI), a division of Alltech, announced in 2018 that it was opening a new brewery at the historic site of the old MacArdle Moore Brewery in Dundalk.

The new Pearse Lyons Brewery incorporated the relocation of the Station Works Brewery in Newry, which was acquired by the Dr Lyons in 2015 and produced the Foxes Rock range. The move to Dundalk saw Station Works staff relocating to the new facility.

In 2017, Dr. Lyons, along with his wife, Deirdre, opened the Pearse Lyons Distillery in the historic St. James Church in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties. 

The Dundalk Democrat contacted parent company Alltech, to understand more about the brewery's future and the fate its workers. In a statement to the paper, a spokesperson for the company said:

“Alltech is currently undertaking a review of the brewing operations of Alltech’s Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI). At this time, no permanent decisions regarding the facility or team members have been made. 

"The company is currently in a consultation process and will thoroughly review the situation, assessing all available options and proposals.  This review is being considered to increase efficiency and focus on areas with the greatest opportunities for future growth.”

The spokesperson added that: “This proposal applies specifically to the Irish brewery division and will not affect Alltech’s spirits business in Ireland or any of its Kentucky beverage operations. The Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin will continue to produce the high-quality spirits and experiences its customers have come to love. “