asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the cost of setting up the new food hall; the day-to-day funding of same; and whether the major co-operatives and meat plants will be involved.
Written Answers. - National Food Hall.
72.
The recently announced National Food Hall will be run on a commercial basis and will have as its objective the promotion of Ireland as a source of quality food and drink to consumers and trade buyers, both domestic and overseas. It will combine the display of food for retailing with a mix of catering facilities and a fully equipped multi-purpose demonstration theatre.
The capital costs and the operating expenses of the food hall will be funded by a management company which will be responsible for the running of the food hall in accordance with agreed standards and conditions.
The food hall will provide facilities for companies in the food processing and drink industries, including the major cooperatives and meat plants, to undertake new product launches, arrange product sampling and organise other promotional activities. The food hall will complement the activities of the State-sponsored marketing organisations in the promotion of quality Irish food and drink.