WHISKEY firm Matt D’Arcy’s major investment plans for Newry have taken a step forward after the company secured a large part of the city’s old distillery site.
The drinks firm has acquired Corry Square car park, which adjoins the land already held by the company in Monaghan Street.
Founder Michael McKeown said it would enable Matt D’Arcy to proceed with its significant development plans for the site.
The Newry businessman is a key driver of the £7.3 million project to revive whiskey production at the old distillery site, the original location of D’Arcy’s Old Irish Whiskey since 1817.
His company secured planning approval two years ago to develop a distillery, bar, restaurant and visitor centre on Monaghan Street.
Mr McKeown said securing adequate parking was a key component in ensuring commercial viability of the project.
“We must thank and praise the commercial aptitude of our Newry, Mourne and Down councillors and their executive officials who facilitated the transfer of ownership,” said the businessman.
“We are motivated to achieve our joint aims of inner-city restoration and the advancement of tourism in the region.”
Mr McKeown said the company would now move to issue tenders for the construction phase of the project, which includes a Victorian bar and restaurant on site.
The announcement comes as D’Arcy’s 17-year-old malt whiskey secured first place and a gold medal at the Las Vegas International Whiskey Competition, just a few months after winning double gold and best Irish whiskey at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards.
