Wicklow Food Strategy launched

DEVELOPING County Wicklow as a leading food and drink location is the objective of a major new strategy launched on Monday by Wicklow County Council and the Local Community Development Committee.

The Strategy – which was launched by Minister Andrew Doyle and internationally-known celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio at a food showcase and buyers event in Kilruddery Estate – was drawn up by consultants James Burke & Associates on behalf of Wicklow County Council and the Wicklow Local Community Development Committee.

Speaking at the launch, Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, said: ‘Our Food and Beverage Strategy is key to the economic, community and social development of the county. It recognises the contribution and creativity of our food producers, is consistent with our clean green image as the Garden of Ireland and enhances our tourism offering. The Strategy achieved many of the high-level objectives of our Local Economic and Community Plan including those of sustainable development and resilience.’

He said that the Wicklow Food and Beverage Strategy Committee included many of the leading entrepreneurs in the sector in the county as well as leading agencies. ‘Working in partnership, they are best placed to lead and drive the strategy and ensure that it is innovative and dynamic. Their drive and commitment will ensure that this will be achieved,’ he said.

Catherine Fulvio with Liam Hempenstall of Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese in Arklow and Hanna Sheerin of Ballyhubbock Farm in the Glen of Imaal at the launch of ‘The Feast from the East’, the Co Wicklow Food and Beverage Strategy, at the Killruddery Estate.