Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
270. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on plans to support and expand the food and beverage tourism offerings, showcasing the best of local produce. [33545/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government provides that the Government will support and expand our food and beverage tourism offerings, showcasing the best of local produce.
Fáilte Ireland continues to focus on the development and enhancement of the food and beverage experience for the wider domestic and international visitor audience, and it will continue to be a key component of Fáilte Ireland’s Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDP). Fáilte Ireland will also continue to work with Irish based inbound agents to make them familiar with food and beverage experiences emerging from the DEDP programme.
Fáilte Ireland’s key activities deliver a robust programme of development for food & beverage businesses in tourism, some examples of these include the DEDP for Cork City, Harbour, and East Cork which was launched by Failte Ireland in November 2024 and seeks to highlight Cork as a world-class gastronomy destination. The plan aims to build on Cork’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene to attract both domestic and international visitors. The Ancient DEDP has identified Irish Food Stories – 5,000 years of Food as one of its catalyst projects. The Ancient DEDP comprises counties Meath and Louth and each Local Authority collaborates closely with the Irish Ancient East brand team to develop all aspects of the food story. These are some examples of food and beverage initiatives taking place right across the country.
In relation to longer term policy, the Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I have asked my officials to consider how commitments in the Programme for Government align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme and other Government priorities. This new Policy Statement will also consider how food and beverage can play an enhanced role in Ireland’s overall tourism offering.
