He once wrote a song called Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad and now U2 frontman Bono is set to get into the whiskey business.

Bono is reported to be investing in a €50m whiskey project in County Kildare. His business partner is Irish property investor and business owner Paddy McKillen.

According to a planning application sent to Kildare County Council Planning Office by Jewelfield Ltd on 10 September, McKillen’s project involves “an artisan distillery and visitor centre” measuring 5,051.4 square-metres, of which 2,528 square-metres is existing and 3,523.4 square-metres is new build.

Speaking to The Times, he said that his aim was to “revive Monasterevin’s rich heritage in producing the finest whiskey going right back to the 18th century.

“We’re investing €50m into this initial phase, which is the start of a long-term strategy. It fits very well with our existing hospitality businesses and the great global interest in Irish whiskey,” he added.