Roscommon Integrated Development Company (RIDC), in recognition of the potential of the local food sector, has commissioned Momentum Consulting to conduct a feasibility study/ business plan into the development of Roscommon Food Showcase which will combine a number of key supports for the local food sector including:-
- A time-share production & training kitchen
- The provision of quality food sector training facility for the niche food production sector
- An attractive presentation space for quality artisan niche food (and craft producers) in Co. Roscommon
The feasibility study involves a number of elements - establishing demand for a food dedicated production facility, the potential funding package and the identification of a project promoter(s) with a suitable site or under utilised workspace/infrastructure.
RIDC are calling on interested parties to assist them identify a suitable project promoter(s) with a suitable site or under utilised workspace/infrastructure. RIDC wish to appoint a private or community operator to lead the project and assume ownership of the development. It is important to note that this competitive call and the chosen operator will apply to RIDC for funding to develop the facility (with the assistance of the feasibility study) on the basis of private promoter funding of 50% of eligible costs or community funding of 75% of eligible costs. An important consideration of the evaluation process will be the consideration of potential displacement relating to our neighbouring county food centres, therefore geographical location will be a high marking scoring criteria.
There are many innovative facets to this project. In addition to strengthening and growing the food sector in Co. Roscommon it brings a number of other benefits:-
- A time-share community production & training kitchen acts as an important first step for emerging food companies. It is a unique way to provide aspiring food entrepreneurs with time-share access to production facilities and core equipment and the opportunity to start and expand specialty food and catering businesses without the prohibitive cost of building their own commercial kitchen.
- Compliment tourism efforts - it will create a vibrant new gastro tourism product in the region building on the strong theme of food culture.
- Cookery Demonstration Area -local artisan producers could give classes and demonstrations on cooking with their produce etc.
- Create greater community awareness and pride in Roscommon food products
- In addition to direct sales arising from the product showcase, the project will provide a web based order fulfillment service for its suppliers through box schemes of meat, vegetables and Roscommon Food hampers.
- If additional space is available on the selected site a community allotment /market garden area would be a very attractive feature.
RIDC is keen to identify and work closely with a host organisation in the development of this exciting project. To express your interest to be that host and complete a site audit questionnaire, please do not hesitate to contact Momentum Consulting by calling 071 9623500 or emailing orla@momentumconsulting.ie for an information pack.
See also the Roscommon Food Showcase flyer.
Comments are open at the bottom for you to add your thoughts. Any and all input welcomed.
