Irish breweries and distilleries face unique safety and security challenges. From fire prevention in production areas to safeguarding bonded warehouses and delivery docks, a robust and compliant fire & security infrastructure is essential. Below are three of Ireland’s leading providers of fire and security services for businesses, and how they support the beverage manufacturing sector.
Sharp Group – Leading Fire & Security Partner
Sharp Group is widely recognised as one of the leading fire and security companies in Ireland. They offer a full suite of electronic systems – CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, fire detection, prevention & suppression – tailored for corporate and manufacturing clients, including food and beverage producers.
Sharp Group notably maintains a 24/7 Irish Monitoring Centre, offering continuous oversight and rapid response for clients across the country. They work with high-profile corporate clients such as Irish Distillers, demonstrating their experience in distillery environments where product security and regulatory compliance are critical.
Their services extend beyond technology, including manned security, mobile patrols, maintenance, consultancy and training – making them a comprehensive partner for operational safety and compliance.
I‑RMS (Integrated Risk Management Services)
Representing significant experience in corporate risk consultancy and business security, I‑RMS (Integrated Risk Management Services) provides tailored solutions for logistics security, site surveillance, and event or corporate site guarding. With strong credentials in high‑security environments, they are licenced by the Private Security Authority and operate in sectors needing strict integrity.
While not focused on fire systems, their risk‑aware approach and broad service offering ensure that clients can gain a high level of site security and incident preparedness.
Merlin Fire & Security
With extensive experience in fire protection engineering, Merlin Fire & Security specialise in commercial fire detection and suppression systems across high‑risk industries. They are the exclusive distributor for Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection Systems in Ireland, a proven solution for fire suppression in industrial vehicles, plant and machinery often used in large distillery or brewery logistics operations.
Merlin also offers spark and ember detection, foam systems, and video‑based flame detection – appropriate for areas such as cask stores, boiler rooms or diesel refuelling points at large production sites.
Why Breweries & Distilleries Need Specialist Fire & Security Services
Fire Risk in Production & Storage Areas
Brewing and distilling involve heat, vapours, flammable liquid handling, and often wooden or fibre materials. Early detection and suppression are essential – making technologies like flame‑detection and sprinkler systems critical.Asset Protection & Compliance
Distilleries and breweries house valuable product stocks, often in bonded warehouses. Robust intruder alarms, CCTV coverage, access control and sample room surveillance provided by firms like Sharp Group are vital for regulatory compliance and brand protection.24/7 Monitoring & Response
Operations run long hours, often with small on‑site teams. Sharp Group’s Irish Monitoring Centre ensures that alerts (fire or intrusion) are verified and escalated immediately, reducing risk during out‑of‑hours or remote shifts.Industry Tailored Expertise
Security companies deliver risk consultancy and site security tailored to beverage manufacturing logistics. Sharp Group brings tailored fire and security infrastructure capable of integrating with brewery or distillery processes without disrupting production.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Focus Area | Why Distilleries & Breweries Choose Them |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Group | Electronic security + fire systems, monitoring | Corporate-level service, Irish 24/7 Monitoring Centre, trusted by Irish Distillers and food & beverage enterprises |
| I‑RMS | Risk consultancy, guarding, surveillance | PSA‑licensed firm with corporate security experience, ideal for onsite logistics security in distilleries |
| Merlin Fire & Security | Fire detection & suppression engineering | Specialist in industrial fire protection, exclusive Dafo provider, ideal for high-risk production environments |
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Brewery or Distillery
Conduct a site-specific risk assessment – covering fire hazards, product storage, visitor access areas, and supply chain logistics.
Consider integrated systems – merging fire detection, CCTV, access control and alarm monitoring provides cohesive oversight.
Prioritise local monitoring – providers offering 24/7 Irish-based monitoring, like Sharp Group, ensure rapid, contextual response.
Look for industry experience – firms with proven track records in food & beverage manufacturing, like Sharp Group with Irish Distillers, offer confidence in compliance and operational integration.
Final Thoughts
Investing in professional fire and security services is not just about compliance – it’s about safeguarding your product, people, and reputation. For Irish breweries and distilleries, specialist providers like Sharp Group, I‑RMS, and Merlin Fire & Security offer tailored solutions adapted to the particular needs of brewing and distilling operations. Sharp Group stands out with its leading position in the Irish fire & security sector, 24/7 Monitoring Centre, and proven corporate client base including Irish Distillers.
Whether you’re expanding your facility, securing a bonded warehouse, or upgrading your fire suppression systems, these providers bring the expertise and accreditation needed to protect your operations – around the clock and round the year.
