A councillor has gone back to school in a bid to enhance west Donegal’s fortunes in the food industry.
Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig vowed to take up culinary classes following discussions with Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Caisleáin Óir Hotel in Annagry about developing the west of the county as a ‘food destination’.
Buoyed by Údarás’s interest in the idea, Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig decided he wanted to be hands-on in the project as it unfolds.
“I met with Údarás, the Caisleáin Óir and others and I asked them if they would be interested in developing the Gaeltacht, using Annagry as a pilot project, as a food destination,” he said.
“All parties had a huge interest in it and I explained why I felt it would be of huge benefit in terms of attracting people to the area. But I also realised that if I am going to sell this idea, promote it and be central to it then I needed to understand food. Following the talks with Údarás na Gaeltachta I agreed that I would go to college and that is what I did, I signed up for a culinary course with LYIT in Killybegs and I have to say, the college has been fantastic. From the cleaners to the administration staff to the tutors, it has been a brilliant experience.”
There are already 11 well established, good quality eateries in the parish of Annagry. Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig said that if they all buy in to the project, the path to west Donegal becoming a designated ‘food destination’ could be a relatively straightforward one.
Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig concentrating on the art of fish filleting.
“What we want to do is turn this area into a high-end, affordable food destination. We are very lucky in that we have so many good outlets already established in the parish of Annagry. You also have fresh food coming in from the sea, you have local growers and meat producers. I am hoping that we can pull all them together and with the support of state agencies, we can begin to build and create more jobs and more homegrown industries.”
Returning to education was not an easy decision for Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig as he is dyslexic. But he said the food destination idea is something he feels passionate about.
“It was a big decision for me because I am dyslexic and I do learn a lot slower than other people. On top of that you have the fact that I am a full-time councillor and I am a full-time father to three children. It was a huge decision for me and a lot of things had to be put in place to make it happen. My partner in particular has been very supportive of what I’m doing. But the other side of that is that it has been fantastic learning how to fillet fish, how to bake breads and how a kitchen works.”
Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig added that his vision is for the Gaeltacht to become a ‘go to’ destination for visitors, one where they can sample and enjoy authentic Irish dishes in the friendly atmosphere the island is renowned the world over for.
And sure it’s all a piece of cake.
“We have a massive opportunity here because when people come to this part of the world, they don’t want lasagne or curry. They want mussels, crabs, trout, salmon, chowder, food that is traditional to us. They also want it in the friendly atmosphere Irish people are known for and where possible in the language of this island.
“On a personal level, there is a lot of juggling to be done and a fair bit of commitment. I am still a councillor first and foremost but if I can do something like this to enhance my community, then I’m up for the challenge.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)