Lough Gill Brewery introduces advanced Co2 recovery system in sustainability drive

Lough Gill Brewery has installed a state-of-the-art CO? (Carbon Dioxide) Recovery System which will significantly cut the brewery’s carbon footprint and lead to sustainable energy savings.

In addition, the family-owned brewery is to introduce a new immersive visitor experience, attracting tourists to Sligo and enhancing the county’s tourism sector. The brewery expects to create a number of new jobs to support the venture.

As Lough Gill Brewery celebrates its 10th anniversary, the combined initiatives form part of a broader investment of approximately €500,000 in the brewery and its operations.

This milestone investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation and growth, supporting enhanced operational efficiency while positioning the brewery as a key tourism destination in the region.

The installation of a brand-new CO? recovery system, a project undertaken with the support of Sligo LEADER, is among the first of its kind in the sector on the island of Ireland and enables the collection of raw CO? from fermentation tanks, running it through a deep-cleaning process before sending it back into production.

By recycling the majority of CO? used throughout the process and not venting it into the atmosphere, the new system will reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. It will allow for a reduction on purchased gas, ensuring a reliable supply during shortages, improving sustainability by lowering carbon footprints, and ensuring high-purity.

Having grown since its foundation in 2016, the company’s long-term, disciplined approach to its operations has allowed it to scale and develop steadily, and continue its upwards trajectory in a busy and challenging market.

Commenting, Lough Gill Brewery founder James Ward, said:

“We’ve always believed that if you’re building a manufacturing business in the West of Ireland, you have to think long term. Installing a CO? recovery system is a significant investment, but it’s the right thing to do. It reduces our footprint, strengthens our resilience and shows that small independent breweries can lead from the front when it comes to sustainability. It’s a very proud moment for our family-owned business.”

Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Scheme’, which will contribute €112,000 in funding toward a new visitor experience project, is designed to strengthen and future-proof tourism infrastructure along Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard.

The fund supports capital projects that improve sustainability, accessibility and destination appeal, with the aim of encouraging longer stays, increasing regional visitor spend and supporting local job creation.

A Lough Gill Brewery tour with a Brew Hall and tasting space will be two unique parts of the experience as well as a new coffee shop and retail space, allowing visitors to take a piece of the brewery home. Furthermore, a new event space will allow the company to host functions all year round.

Already producing more than 30 beers as the only brewery in Sligo town, the diversification into tourism market aims to strengthen its revenue stability, allowing the company to continue to reinvest profits locally – maintaining and developing its already strong community ties.

James Ward added:

“There is no doubt the industry has faced challenges, but we feel very positive about the future. Our domestic market grew last year, our local support remains incredibly strong, and this expansion will create new jobs while opening our doors to visitors in a whole new way. We’re confident in where we’re going and we’re excited about what’s next.”

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