LIMERICK is preparing to dish up a major new multi‑day food festival after the Council secured EU funding for its SLOWTOUR project under the Interreg North‑West Europe (NWE) Programme.
The initiative is focused on unlocking industrial heritage through inclusive ‘slow tourism’, creating authentic visitor experiences that strengthen local identity and economic resilience.
The intention now is to try position Limerick as a leader in sustainable tourism innovation and deliver transformative benefits for the entire county.
As part of the project, Limerick will implement a new food tourism offering based on its rich heritage in the food industry. This will include immersive experiences designed to celebrate local traditions, promote sustainable food practices, and engage through storytelling and co-creation workshops in heritage locations.
“We want to showcase our rich heritage, support local businesses and create experiences that are sustainable and inclusive. I am thrilled to contribute a significant portion of my mayoral fund to this initiative, in an effort to ensure Limerick continues to thrive as a vibrant, forward-thinking place,” Mayor John Moran commented.
The budget for Limerick Council for the project is €606,400, with €363,840 funded by the European Regional Development Fund and €242,560 co-financed by the local authority, including support from the Mayor’s discretionary fund.
Director General of LCCC, Dr Pat Daly, said that securing this funding is a testament to the hard work and vision of Council staff.
“This project will strengthen our strategies for inclusive growth and position Limerick as a leader in sustainable tourism innovation,” Dr Daly concluded.