TAOISEACH OPENS NEW BREWHOUSE AND DEDICATES BARRACKS
212 EMPLOYED IN HARP LAGER BREWERY AND FORMER LOUTH TD FRANK AIKEN HONOURED
September 1986
HARP’S new £5.4 million brewhouse sparkles like a jewel for the official opening, and is admired by guests, among them Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald.
He is joined by Ernest Saunders, chairman and chief executive of Guinness PLC, on a big day for the Dundalk firm as it marks another major development in its 26-year history.
Harp staff burn the midnight oil all week to ensure everything is right for the occasion, and are not disappointed as everything runs smoothly, despite tight security.
‘ Today, Harp alone sells almost as much lager as the combined sales of all other lager brands available on the Irish market,’ remarks Lord Iveagh, president of Guinness PLC.
‘ The Harp Lager brewery plays a vital role in the economic life of Dundalk and outlying districts. Investment in the new Harp Brewhouse evidences Guinness’ commitment to ensure that Harp continues to contribute to the well-being of the local community and to carry on the brewing traditions established in the days of the old Great Northern brewery.’
Dr. Fitzgerald adds, ‘Harp Lager has been a major employer in Dundalk for many years and this new investment represents a clear commitment by its parent company, Guinness Ireland, to the local economy.
‘Harp employ 212 here in Dundalk. The brewery generates considerable spin-off benefits to the local farming and business community.
‘ This new brewhouse now ranks with the most technically-advanced in Europe. It will enable Harp to keep pace with the technology changes and developments essential to secure its place in highly-competitive markets, both in Ireland and abroad.’
Meanwhile, Ernest Saunders is the focus of much attention since the extraordinary takeover of Distillers.
He is paying his first visit to Ireland since getting the backing from Guinness shareholders for his move to revitalise the Scottish company.
Mr. Saunders flies in by helicopter and doesn’t leave the brewery site.
Also in Dundalk, the Taoiseach reveals it is entirely his own idea to honour Frank Aiken by dedicating Dundalk military barracks in his honour.
‘I did so because I had great personal respect for Frank Aiken, and affection for him as someone who never allowed politics to interfere with his relation- ships with other people.
‘He had a very distinguished record in the government of this country, and the fact is that he was associated with Dundalk barracks in a unique way.’
The army puts its best foot forward to honour a former Minister for Defence, who helped shape the foundation of the State.
All the pageantry it can muster is on hand for the ceremony of re-naming the barracks, Dun Mhic Aogain.
The Taoiseach inspects a guard of honour drawn from the 27th Infantry Battalion, and unveils a special plaque.
It is an emotional day for the members of Mr. Aiken’s family who are present, and for Joe Farrell, so long Aiken’s right-hand man in the constituency.