Sligo-based Lough Gill Brewery has installed a CO2 recovery system and announced plans for a new immersive visitor experience as part of a combined €500,000 investment marking its tenth anniversary, combining operational decarbonisation with tourism expansion in the west of Ireland.

As reported by Irish Tech News, the CO2 recovery system, undertaken with support from Sligo LEADER, is among the first of its kind in the brewing sector on the island of Ireland. The system collects raw CO2 from fermentation tanks, runs it through a deep-cleaning process, and returns it to production, recycling the majority of CO2 used throughout the brewing process rather than venting it into the atmosphere. The installation reduces reliance on purchased gas, improves supply resilience during shortages, and lowers the brewery's overall carbon footprint.

James Ward, founder of Lough Gill Brewery, said: "Installing a CO2 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."

Founded in 2016, Lough Gill Brewery is the only brewery in Sligo town and currently produces more than 30 beers. The €500,000 investment also encompasses a new visitor experience comprising a brewery tour, Brew Hall and tasting space, coffee shop, retail area, and event space, supported by €112,000 in funding from Fáilte Ireland's Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Scheme. The visitor expansion is expected to create new jobs and strengthen the brewery's position as a tourism destination along Ireland's Atlantic seaboard.

Ward added: "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."

The dual investment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen revenue stability through tourism diversification while embedding sustainability into core manufacturing operations, allowing the brewery to reinvest profits locally and maintain strong community ties across the region.