The Irish Whiskey Association has unveiled a scholarship initiative in collaboration with Maynooth University (MU) aimed at enhancing skill development within the Irish brewing and distilling sector. The scholarship will finance one place on MU's Brewing and Distilling micro-credential, which seeks to equip participants with the scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies integral to the alcoholic drinks industry.

Professor Denise Rooney from the Chemistry Department at MU, who is involved in the development of the micro-credential course, stated, “Our micro-credential course in Brewing & Distilling Science is both co-designed and co-delivered by industry experts and academics at MU and was created in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and traditional whiskey industries.” The course comprises online lectures, tutorials, and virtual lab simulations, spanning a 12-week period that includes hands-on experience in the university's modern laboratories.

In conjunction with this educational initiative, the Irish Whiskey Association has urged the incoming government to bolster support for third-level institutions that offer brewing and distilling courses. The association seeks to secure further backing from the forthcoming Minister for Higher Education, advocating for enhanced resources to ensure the continuation and growth of educational offerings in this domain.

Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, highlighted the significance of the drinks sector, noting, “Recent reports on the value of the Irish drinks sector show that it now easily exceeds €2 billion, and there are now around 10,000 people directly employed in brewing and distilling in Ireland.” Ó Catháin remarked on the increasing demand for skills and expertise, underscoring the sector's expansion and its need for qualified professionals to maintain its growth trajectory.

This initiative marks a substantial step towards addressing skill shortages in the burgeoning Irish craft brewing and traditional whiskey industries, aiming to support both education and professional opportunities in a sector that continues to gain prominence.