Sad news. We're losing a big part of our history and culture there. Its an integral part of Dublin city and it will not be the same without it. And then of course ya have to think of the poor people who will lose their jobs.
Sadly, all true mate I suspect this means excess 1,000 people will be made unemployed, granted many will be "life-ers" so will have decent reduntancy and pensions, but still a very sad day for them. As for the history, little if anything will remain 5 years from now, perhaps a mueseum and the tower, if we're lucky .... Word on the radio this evening suggested Diageo are going to relocate to a "green field site" no doubt, it will be cheaper property, cheaper labour ... lets just hope it at least stays in Ireland. If it don't, I'd quickly support a buoycot of Guinness & associated products, but I seriously doubt they will cut the link with Ireland, it's their No 1 marketing no doubt.
Wife works for Diageo lads And we have known about this for few weeks now, they are all being called in for 9am, all staff, etc for the briefing. This plan is expected to be done over 5 years and relocation is expected. RTE have been in Guinness since yesterday setting up for this annoucment and it will be big!! Can't say anymore until after annoucment or she'll be in the s***!
I've heard they moving to Grangecastle in Clondalkin, There will also be consolidation of other sites ie. Kilkenny, Nangor Rd etc.. Job losses will happen, but I'm sure with the sale of James Gate and other sites there will be plenty of money to pay them off Not fact just rumor (or is it)
From Todays Indo Just spotted this now, so more than rumor then SEVERAL hundred jobs will be lost when most of the world-famous Guinness brewery at St James's Gate in Dublin is closed and sold off as part of a major revamp of the company's operations. For the first time in more than 200 years the black stout synonymous with the capital will not be brewed beside the Liffey in the centre city. Instead it will be produced at a site at Grange Castle, Clondalkin, in west Dublin. Diageo, which owns Guinness, will reveal later today that it has decided to consolidate its Irish brewing operations at the Clondalkin site. But it will continue to brew the Guinness flavour essence extract at St James's Gate. The move will also involve the closure of Diageo breweries in Kilkenny, Waterford and Dundalk. It is expected to lead to the loss of several hundred jobs at the company, which employs 2,500 in the Republic and the North. The restructuring will allow Diageo to sell much of the 55-acre site at St James's Gate for development. The site was valued at €3bn at the height of the property boom but it might struggle to command such a price in the current market, especially as Guinness will retain some of it. Later today, Diageo will argue it is no longer commercially viable to brew at Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford and Dundalk. It is understood the company is also considering making its brewing operations into a separate company which might be quoted separately on the London, and possibly Dublin, stock exchanges. The company is the world's largest distiller, with brands such as Johnnie Walker whiskey and Smirnoff vodka in its stable. This is only the second move for Guinness in its history -- it moved from Lexlip to St James Gate by founder Arthur Guinness in 1795. Diageo was last night keeping tight-lipped about its plans but it is understood the company has decided to keep only a token presence at St James's Gate. In future only the Guinness essence, which helps gives Guinness its distinctive flavour and is currently brewed at St James Gate and in Waterford, will be brewed at the Dublin site. It is understood Diageo agreed to continue brewing the Guinness flavour extract at St James's Gate, once the largest brewery in the world, only after marketing executives argued that to lose the association with St James's Gate completely would harm export sales. It will also retain the Guinness Storehouse, which attracts 900,000 visitors a year. At a briefing scheduled for later this morning Diageo will argue that it is no longer commercially viable to brew at Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford and Dundalk. Oldest Although Ireland's largest brewery, producing about 12m kegs of Guinness a year, St James's Gate is not Ireland's oldest. That distinction rests with St Francis Abbey, in Kilkenny, which is also slated for closure. It is built on the site of a Franciscan abbey, which has brewed ale since the 14th century. Guinness acquired a majority stake in the brewery from the Smithwicks family in 1968. It is still used to brew Smithwicks for the domestic market, although Smithwicks for the export market, which is has a higher alcohol content, is brewed in Dundalk. St Francis Abbey is also used to brew Budweiser in Ireland. Paul Smithwick, a scion of the Smithwick family, and one of Ireland's best-known solicitors, said the move could be good for Kilkenny. "The consolidation of Diageo's brewing interest in Ireland has been on the cards for a many years. After 300 years the loss of the St Francis brewery in Kilkenny is to be regretted. However, it is a great opportunity for Kilkenny as 20 acres of land will be released for development." As well as Smithwicks Export the Great Northern Brewery in Dundalk is used to make Carlsberg and Harp, which will now be brewed at Grange Castle. Sales of Guinness fell 7pc in Ireland and 3pc in Britain during Diageo's last financial year to end-June 2007, but worldwide sales grew 3pc, helped by growth in Africa, especially Nigeria, and also in Asia. - Tom McEnaney Business Editor
Site in Balbriggan was originally the rumour, but grange castle i think will be new site. Guinness Store House will remain as its a huge tourist attraction bringing in 1 million visitors every year. Kilkenny and Dundalk brewries will be closed by 2013, and will be consolidated in new site. They may also still use the office's on james street and hopefully my wife will still have her job!! Hope they don't take our free drink allowance away from her!. Will fill the rest in when she's rings and lets me know what happened!
No mention on press release, on a site for new brewing plant. Spending €500,000,000 - €600,000,000
Sale of James Gate €3 Billion + Kilkenny, Dundalk etc. its just gone like cricket, all about MONEY!
Just announced. James Gate to get Revamp! Wahoo!! Relocation of Brewing facilities to Grange Castle. Closing Of Kilkenny & Dundalk Site's by 2013. 250 Job losses over the 5 years from closures. Staff will be offered relocation options or serverence packages>
Thats not so bad I suppose. I thought they were getting rid of James' Gate altogether but it seems its still going to be in use. Would be very sad to see it go if that was the case.
Sad news about St. James Gate brewery, also the Kilkenny, Waterford and Dundalk breweries are closing. Guinness is a national institution in Ireland and Diageo are feckin it all up.
Wahoo!!! No really, was talking to B, and she said that from thomas street down too Victoria quay where keg's are stored is to be sold off. From Thomas street back to beyond where current store house will be kept, revamped and a new facility to be built not sure for what (she told me but have forgot already). The jobs will be gone between 2011 - 2013. Have gave staff no gaurantee as yet about jobs as all is not decided yet. Staff not happy as i'm sure you've heard union reps on TV and Radio, but it will be sorted eventually! Sad tho! that so many will lose jobs.
I got an email from them today in work all about it. Have no idea why? here it is Dear Dave For almost 300 years Ireland has created some of the world's most brilliant brews. Today we announce a €650 million plan to secure that reputation for centuries more. St. James's Gate, the historic home of the Black Stuff, is to get a whole new lease of life. Arthur Guinness's brewery will be upgraded and enhanced but the passion, craftsmanship and the finest quality ingredients we fuse to create your favorite pint will always stay the same. As we approach the 250th anniversary of brewing in this unique place, you can look forward to your GUINNESS coming 'straight from the gate' for a long, long time to come. The plans don't stop there. As well as improving the home of Ireland's most famous pint, over the next five years we're also going to build Ireland's largest brewery yet to satisfy growing worldwide demand for Uncle Arthur's finest. The rich history, heritage and craftsmanship behind all our brilliant brews will be drawn on to create a world-class centre of brewing excellence in the greater Dublin area by 2013. This great new brewery will also produce our famous ales and lagers. Sadly, our other breweries in both Kilkenny and Dundalk are just too small to accommodate our ambitious plans and these will be wound down in 2013 when the new brewery is complete. It goes without mention that every care will be given to reduce any impact to staff and to ensure future developments reflect the history and heritage of these remarkable sites. It's going to be an exciting time ahead but we believe the great man himself would be proud. Marrying this exciting investment with Ireland's unique brewing tradition and expertise is a recipe that can only lead to success.