Amid the present uncertainty which has descended upon daily life due to the detrimental impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, one local business has opted for a positive stance and is preparing for the future in progressive mode.
Dead Centre Brewing, with a prime location at Custume Pier in the centre of Athlone, with business ambition firmly to the fore, has unveiled plans to increase the size of its brewing capacity at an alternate location at Blyry Industrial Estate.
Planning permission has been lodged with Westmeath County Council pertaining to the Blyry brewery development with a decision date expected in February.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser in recent times, Liam Tutty, founder of Dead Centre Brewing, noted that the planning permission application was the natural phase of development for the business which opened its doors as a tap room and micro-brewery on February 28, 2019.
“The planning permission lodged for the extension of our brewing facilities feels like a natural progression for the business.
“Presently, we brew for our tap room on site at Custume Pier but to facilitate the production and distribution of heightened volumes of produce nationwide we have to use the 12 Acres Brewing Company in Laois. In this regard, we are particularly reliant on schedule availability.
“While I am grateful to have use of the brewing facility, I am hoping that planning permission will be approved to enable complete control over our brewing process in Athlone,” Liam stated.
Amid the current public health guideline restrictions, such is the demand for signature Dead Centre Brewing craft produce, the need is vast for enhancement of the existing production facilities.
“There was a notable increase in demand for our brews nationwide, particularly during the first period of Covid-19 restrictions, so the need is imminent to accommodate and facilitate such a demand.
“Thankfully, we were in a position to source and purchase a ‘ready to go’ brewery fit in Cork so should planning permission be approved, I would be of the view that installation will be swift with produce being brewed for distribution in the near future,” Liam enthused.
The mindset perennially positive, Liam, complemented by a number of fellow craft breweries, realised beercloud.ie, during initial restrictions in early 2020, an online one stop shop for those wishing to purchase craft beers and pale ales produced by Irish businesses.
“The fruition of beercloud.ie has allowed Dead Centre Brewing the opportunity to continue trading during this pandemic. Online craft beer and pale ale orders continue to be busy and the opening of the brewing facility in Blyry will further assist the distribution process in this regard,” Liam added.
Having opened intermittently during 2020 (when Covid-19 level restrictions permitted ), Liam is grateful for the support he received from the local community both from a sit in and takeaway food and drink perspective.
“Such trade was most welcome as the constant that was the unknown environment influenced by the pandemic had a predominant impact on the day to day business at our Custume Pier location.
“Sales of our Dead Centre Brewing craft beer and pale ale where stocked produce remained constant during the initial period of restrictions and highlighted support for business within the local economy during a time of much need,” Liam asserted.
Should planning permission be granted by Westmeath County Council, such a decision will be a boost for the local employment economy with Liam aspiring to staff the Blyry brewing operation with four additional staff members.
“I am of the opinion that the craft brewing sector will continue to thrive despite the presence of this pandemic. I have a progressive view for the future of Dead Centre Brewing and with the return of custom to our tap room in Custume Pier when public health restrictions permit, there is a hope that 2021 will yet have a positive feel,” Liam concluded.
