The Galway Food Festival will provide a “vital boost to the local economy”, bars and restaurants, and local suppliers and so must be supported by the Galway City Council.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil city councillor Ollie Crowe who is calling on the local authority to provide funding in the region of €30,000 to the festival. A decision on whether or not to grant the money will be made by councillors at Monday’s city council meeting.
The festival, which proved a resounding success last year, attracted 30,000 visitors. The 2013 festival will run from Easter Thursday to Easter Monday, with a varied schedule of events on each day, including comedy shows, wine tasting, and cooking demos, most of which will be free.
The festival is also expanding this year to include Woodquay and the surrounding area. An all day event in Woodquay is scheduled for Easter Saturday and has received the “full support of both the business owners and residents”.
“Woodquay traditionally had a regular market and I would hope this event can be a first start toward the revival of a regular market,” he said. “ It is an area which is perhaps often overlooked but it is blessed with a range of fantastic bars and restaurants along with beautiful scenery along the Corrib.”
Cllr Crowe said this was “exactly the type of project” which the council should be seeking to support.
“If we give the festival adequate support, I have no doubt it will grow from strength to strength and become an even bigger asset to the city in the coming years,” he said. In reference to Monday’s vote he added: “I would hope my fellow councillors will recognise this and act accordingly.”
