Licence granted for this year's 'superb' Waterford Festival of Food   

Councillors in Dungarvan have approved the license for the 2025 Waterford Festival of Food.

The festival runs from April 25-27 in Dungarvan town with events also in Lismore, Ardmore, Villierstown, Ballyduff, Cappoquin and Kilmeaden.

Proposing the approval at the March sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council, Cllr Damien Geoghegan said he is really looking forward to it.

“It is a festival that is going from strength to strength. It’s one of the biggest. We actually initiated it several years ago, and it originated in the council, and I know the committee that is involved does amazing work every year. It's fantastic I have to say,” said Cllr Geoghegan.

Cllr John Pratt seconded the proposal and commended all those involved.

“They have been putting their shoulders to the wheel for 20 years, and so I wanted to say they have a great team and to keep it going,” said Cllr Pratt.

Cllr Thomas Phelan said he would like to see the festival getting more funding but welcomed the council's support.

Cllr Tom Cronin said the money given to the festival is well worth it.

“It is a superb festival, well-known in the country and outside of it even, and, you know, I feel myself it is one of the festivals we do give funding to that actually washes its own face to be fair. 

"I think it is probably the best festival we have in the county at the moment,” said Cllr Cronin.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Nugent agreed with the councillors but asked that this year, the port-a-loos be installed in a more accessible place.

He said last year, people were confused about where the toilets were located.

Council official Finn Brophy said they had already factored that in with toilets available in the courthouse on Saturday and Sunday, with an additional facility in Scanlon’s Yard.