Bid hatched to achieve European Region of Gastronomy

Galway has officially become a candidate for European Region of Gastronomy 2018, a very exciting and important initiative which would highlight the unique food culture of Galway and provide a legacy of improved food quality and support for local food and traditions.

To kick start the bid by Galway to achieve the designation, the lead partners are organising a Briefing Workshop on Tuesday September 22 and are encouraging all to attend and become involved.

The collaborative bid, which is being led by Galway County Council in association with Galway City Council and GMIT, will bring together all sectors including the public, private, education institutions and community/voluntary sectors to work together to secure European Region of Gastronomy status for Galway – West of Ireland in 2018, a first for Ireland.

The bid and attainment of the designation will assist to grow Galway’s reputation in the food and tourism sectors and will result in key collaborative initiatives and projects that will have benefits in a number of cross cutting focus areas.

These include supporting SME’s, innovation, global competitiveness, sustainability, health, education, cultural diversity, the digital agenda and linking urban and rural areas.

A key aim of the European Region of Gastronomy award is to contribute to a better quality of life in European regions, by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation.

The award is organised by a platform of European Regions with the support of European institutions and co-ordinated by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism.

Galway’s bid for the designation ensures access to an important European network where partners can learn from counterparts in Europe and they can learn from Galway.

It is anticipated that in addition to the great networking and learning benefits which will accrue as a result of the bid, that there will also be greater opportunities to secure EU funding to assist develop initiatives in the food and tourism sectors.

Galway County Council Chief Executive Kevin Kelly said the local authority was delighted to lead the initiative.

“The County Council is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders on a number of initiatives in the food sector, including this bid to become the European Region of Gastronomy in 2018, which I believe will act as a catalyst to deliver a range of hugely beneficial projects for all sectors of society

“I am confident that the bid to become the European Region of Gastronomy 2018, which is closely aligned with the bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2020, will assist Galway to build on our key strengths and further develop our food and tourism sectors while addressing key social issues,” he said.

Cáit Noone, Head of College Tourism and Arts in GMIT explained why the Institute agreed to partner on this project.

“As a leading Higher Education Institute in the West of Ireland GMIT and the College of Tourism and Arts plays a leadership role in the education of Gastronomy, Arts, Culture and Tourism in the West of Ireland.

“Achieving this status will be hugely significant for the region, not only for food producers and food professionals but may act as an economic driver for food tourism throughout the west of Ireland. A collective and collaborative approach by all stakeholders will be key to achieving a successful designation,” she added.

Registration for the briefing workshop is free HERE