Minister Stresses Importance Of Seafood Industry

Speaking at the opening, the Minister complimented the stallholders on the range of local produce on sale and wished them a very busy day's trading. He paid tribute to Dunmore East Tourism & Commerce Group for their support.

He said: "Dunmore East is well known as a busy fishing harbour, it is home to great seafood and a countryside rich in locally produced foods. The harbour market reflects the demand for really fresh, in-season food. Food Festivals attract consumers interested in trying out local foods and meeting small food producers and are an important route to market for producers interested in diversifying."

Minister Connick said that Farmers Markets were putting more food and seafood producers on the map. "My Department is delighted that almost 40 markets have signed up to the Code of Good Practice for Farmers Markets launched a year ago and are entitled to display the Banner whose logo features a variety of foods including fish."

The Minister complimented the Festival on providing a broad food experience including sessions showing how easily seafood can be prepared and enjoyed.

He added: "Bord Bia research has shown that many consumers have a very limited repertoire of seafood dishes that they are confident cooking at home. And yet, as the chefs giving demonstrations in Dunmore East this weekend have shown, cooking fish can be surprisingly simple. Just start with simple recipes from your local fishmongers or Bord Bia. Fresh fish is a quick and easy choice for every day meals. And hake for example is very plentiful at this time of year. I am convinced that the food and seafood sector, together with tourism, are integral to our economic recovery."