Production cutbacks at Tullamore D.E.W. deeply worrying – Cllr Aoife Masterson
10 April 2025
Sinn Féin Cllr for Tullamore, Aoife Masterson, has described the decision by Tullamore D.E.W. to suspend distillation in three of the nine stills, with another three to follow for a further three months, as ‘deeply worrying’ for workers, their families, and the wider community.
Cllr Masterson said:
“This is a truly shocking for Tullamore.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the workers impacted by this announcement.
“Tullamore D.E.W. is the second bestselling Irish whiskey globally and, since coming back to Tullamore in 2014, it has, once again, become central to the town’s economy and identity.
“This announcement is a devastating blow that will result in immense stress and uncertainty for many.
“Following so quickly on the back of redundancies in Cardinal Health and Nelipak, these are setbacks that the local economy can ill-afford.
“Government need to act quickly and decisively.
“Early intervention is vital to support both the workers and industries affected.
“We need to consider targeted supports, similar to those during Covid, but specific in this case to the industries and communities impacted.
“Offaly, with its vibrant whiskey, pharmaceutical, and agrifood industries, is uniquely vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs.
“There should not be panic, but preparations must be stepped up rapidly to avoid further uncertainty and job losses.
“People in Offaly must not be left to pay the price for government inaction.”
