Distillery gets the go-ahead

THE transformation of the National 1798 Centre into a mini distillery, complete with visitor’s centre, has taken another step closer to becoming a reality after planning permission for the venture was approved by Wexford County Council.

The application was made by John Stafford of Slaney Farms in Tomnalossett back in July of this year, as he looks to create a home for his newest venture, Jackford Irish Potato Gin.

Mr Stafford is hopeful that the new venture will be up and running at the Arnold’s Cross site by next summer and these plans were given a boost having obtained the approval of the council, subject to certain conditions.

Among these conditions are to pay contributions to Wexford County Council for the improvement of roads and public amenities and that works to the Protected Structure on the site should by supervised by a qualified conservation architect.

The distillery must also adhere to noise regulations and all waste should be disposed of in the correct manner.

While the National 1798 Centre was due to close its doors at the end of the summer, District Manager Liz Hore has indicated that it may now remain open until October, at which point Mr Stafford can take possession and get to work on the transformation.

A number of locations are currently being examined to temporarily house a 1798 exhibition in the town until a permanent home is created as part of a major €10 million tourism project for the town centre.