Limerick food strategy targets sector growth and new jobs
Focusing on the food sector and new commercial activity, it is projected that up to 86 new jobs will be created by the end of 2018
Print9 February 2016
A newly launched blueprint seeking to strengthen Limerick’s efforts to achieve Food Destination Status over the next three years was launched on Monday, 8 February by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan.
More than 100 food producers and suppliers gathered at the Strand Hotel to hear details of the ‘Limerick City & County Council Food Strategy for Limerick 2016-2018’, which is targeting 6% additional growth for the local food tourism sector and 10% additional sales growth for producers.
With a strong focus on the food sector and new commercial activity, it is projected that up to 86 new jobs will be created by the end of 2018.
The strategy was researched and compiled by James Burke & Associates through stakeholder interviews on behalf of the Local Enterprise Office Limerick, and was co-funded by Limerick City and County Council, the government and the European Union (EU).
Community passion
Welcoming the launch of the strategy, Cllr. Gerald Mitchell, Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick said: “By harnessing the shared, community-wide passion for this region’s unique food produce, my hope is that this strategy will guide Limerick in establishing itself as a quality food destination and as a quality location to set up a new or to expand an existing food business.”
Research conducted during the preparation of the Strategy indicated that Limerick had many strengths in its food sector including the improved diversity in Limerick’s food offering in recent years, a growing food producer base, new emerging food festivals and new enthusiasm from food stakeholders. The research also highlighted some weaknesses including a small number of speciality producers and the absence of “joined up thinking” with regard to developing the food sector.
Opportunities for growth
The three-year strategic plan identified new opportunities for growth in the sector including a food brand for Limerick, a food tourism link to the Wild Atlantic Way, upskilling the sector, a strong marketing plan for Limerick, securing strong interest from many stakeholders in the establishment of a food strategy, and harnessing the expertise which was gained during Limerick City of Culture in 2014.
A full copy of the report may be downloaded from www.limerick.ie/council and the Local Enterprise Office Limerick website, www.localenterprise.ie/Limerick
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