Whiskey distilleries get green light from minister
The environment minister has recommended planning approval for two whiskey distilleries in County Down.
There are plans for a small distillery at Ballyhenry House on the Lough Shore Road, Portaferry.
The other application is for a distillery and visitor's centre at Gransha Road in Kircubbin.
The minister, Alex Attwood, said the distilleries would provide short-term construction jobs and enhance tourism.
"These distilleries will provide a boost for the Ards Peninsula, which will be welcomed by traders and visitors," he said.
"These recommendations and the application for a new distillery in Derry that I approved last week prove how DoE can fulfil its dual mandate as the leading environment ministry and a leading economy ministry."
The Kircubbin proposal includes the conversion of a listed stable building.
The U-shaped two-storey building will be converted into a visitor's centre, including a restaurant and kitchen, a distillery exhibition centre and museum, tasting room and shop.
The DoE is to consulting Ards Borough Council about the applications.