The Blas Bídh Uíbh Ráthaigh food festival was officially launched by The Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley, T.D., today (26th September) at the National Ploughing Championships which are currently taking place in New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Blas Bídh Uíbh Ráthaigh which is in its first year, is organised by Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh and is taking place from the 19th to the 21st of October. Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh hopes that the festival will promote tourism and enterprise development and stimulate the economy in the area.
The event is aimed at raising the national and local community’s awareness of healthy foods available in Uíbh Ráthaigh, an area where this particular sector has advanced in recent years and it’s hoped that other people will be inspired to set up food businesses in the area.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley, T.D said “the festival will be an ideal opportunity to provide a platform for food businesses in the area, identify and discuss new business opportunities, create links and working networks between the businesses and to entice tourists and visitors to the area for the weekend. I commend Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh for its efforts in the development of the area’s economy and enterprise and also for encouraging local food businesses to showcase their products at this festival”.
Commenting on the launch, Steve Ó Cúláin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta said “The food sector is the most indigenous sector in Ireland and An tÚdarás recognises its growth potential and importance to the Gaeltacht economy. We are supporting value-added, innovative and market-led food based enterprises throughout the Gaeltacht and some of the most recognised brands in the country are produced there.
The Blas Bídh Uíbh Ráthaigh food festival will begin on Friday the 19th of October and will continue throughout the weekend.