County Wicklow’s food and drink becomes an economic, community and social driver

COUNTY Wicklow’s food and drink strategy which was published in April 2019 will place The Garden of Ireland firmly at the heart of Ireland’s food and drink offering.

The strategy, which was launched at Killruddery Estate  by Wicklow County Council, the Local Enterprise Office and representatives from the food and drink scene, is ” key to the economic, community and social development of the county”.

The strategy, which was compiled by consultants, James Burke & Associates, was officially launched by Minister of State Andrew Doyle TD alongside internationally renowned chef and acclaimed writer, Catherine Fulvio.

Speaking at the launch, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council said: “The strategy is key to the economic, community and social development of the county. It recognises the contribution and creativity of our food producers, it is consistent with our clean green image as the Garden of Ireland and it also 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.”

Wicklow’s reputation as a food and drink destination is constantly growing so the strategy and Mr Curran said those overseeing the implementation of the strategy include leading entrepreneurs in the sector from across the county.

He added: “Working in partnership, these people are best placed to lead and drive the strategy and ensure it is innovative and dynamic. Their drive and commitment will ensure this will be achieved.”

Also at the launch was Cllr Grainne McLoughlin, chairperson of the Local Community Development committee. She added: “Implementing this strategy will demonstrate what can happen when we all work together. Different stakeholders will have different roles to play, supporting and networking, training and development, innovating, marketing and promotion, sharing with visitors and developing our resilience.”

The strategy, which will be implemented from 2019 to 2021, sets out five key goals.

Those goals are;

• to tell County Wicklow’s food and drink story
• to develop a food activity calendar
• to increase food stakeholder networking
• to get local food to the local consumer
• to provide appropriate business supports to assist start up and established local food and drink producers to grow their business.

Businesses working in County Wicklow’s food and drink sector are invited to get in contact to see how they can become involved as the strategy will be implemented. We will be working alongside our colleagues in Wicklow Tourism

Click here to visit our members of County Wicklow’s food and drink producers