The explosion in Irish whiskey production continues apace with planning permission being lodged with Wicklow County Council today for a new distillery and visitors centre at Powerscourt Estate near Enniskerry.

The development comes a week ahead of an event to be attended by the US Ambassador to Ireland and which will mark the beginning of construction of a new distillery and visitor centre at Slane Castle, Co Meath.

Amongst other projects around the country, John Teeling has just commenced distilling in the old Harp brewery in Dundalk; his sons have opened the first of three planned distilleries in Dublin’s Liberties and the former owner of Tipperary Water, Pat Cooney is to launch a major new facility outside Drogheda.

The group behind the distillery says it will create close to 30 jobs during the construction phase, and 18 full-time jobs when the distillery is fully operational.

Powerscourt Distillery CEO and Co-Founder Gerry Ginty discussed the new venture, "The Irish whiskey sector is the fastest growing alcoholic drinks category in the world, averaging double digit growth over the past five years.

“Powerscourt Distillery plans to focus on the premium end of this market. A unique product will be created at Powerscourt Distillery, which will utilise the natural ingredients and draw on the heritage of this spectacular Wicklow location."

They have already raised €3m in funding, and are seeking to close a second €5m funding round by the end of the year.