Upgrade of Mechanical & Electrical Services in Historic Kilbeggan Distillery

Kilbeggan Distillery (formerly Brusna Distillery and Locke’s Distillery) is situated on the River Brosna in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.  A small pot still distillery, the licence to distill dates from 1757, a copy of which can be seen in the distillery.  Today the distillery is known as Kilbeggan Distillery, and includes a restaurant, The Pantry Restaurant, and a 19th century waterwheel that is in working condition.  The distillery can also be powered by a steam engine, which is in working condition but rarely used.  It was installed to allow the distillery to continue operating in times of low water on the river. Whiskey production recommenced in 2007, the year in which the distillery celebrated its 250th Anniversary.  One of the two Copper Pot Stills that is being used in Kilbeggan was made in the early 1800’s and is the oldest working Pot Still producing whiskey in the world today.

JV Tierney & Co. provided the Mechanical and Electrical Design Services for the upgrade works to the distillery, including:

• Removal of 2 No. ESB supplies and upgrade to 1 No. utility connection serving a new main electrical switchboard complete with outgoing moulded case circuit breakers for future phases.
• Installation of new LED adjustable spot lights in Museum and specialist suspending lighting in circulation and Tasting Area.
• Atex (potentially explosive atmosphere) type light fixtures for pot stills and distillery’s office including emergency lighting and exit signs.
• Atex type light fittings in Warehouse 2, 3 & 7 including emergency exit signs.
• Atex circulating pumps at pot stills wired back to electrical distribution board/control panel fitted with isolated switch amplifiers.
• Removal of existing low pressure hot water heating radiators and replacement with low water contact high efficiency emitters complete with thermostatic radiator valves.
• Specialist floodlighting to illuminate water wheel, chimney, river, steam engine and courtyards.
• Upgrading of existing fire alarm detection system with Atex rated detectors, linear heat circuits and linked to aspirating system in Warehouses and extensions of existing Analogue Addressable fire detection system to provide a L1 system.
• Removal of existing LPHW heating radiators and boiler plant.
• Provision of new boiler plant and heating controls complete with building energy management system.
• Upgrade of ventilation systems including suppression system on kitchen canopy and water services to Main Kitchen and Restaurant toilets.