Sod turned on Meath culinary arts school

Construction is underway on the new Lismullin School of Culinary and Home Arts, which will cater for training up to 24 people as well as providing a brand new demonstration unit at the Lismullin Conference Centre outside Navan.
The sod on the new development was turned by Michael Ludlow, Meath Partnership CEO, Colm Duff, Consultant for the Hotel and Hospitality Sector and Tom Hennessy, chairperson of Meath Partnership, on Thursday last.
Unlike other cookery schools a broader curriculum will be available focusing not only on commercial culinary skills but also home based skills.
The school will have a wide range of courses from day long to weekend to year long. One focus of the school will be working with local food producers and supporting culinary food tourism in county Meath. Liz Donnelly who works in the centre said the school through its courses, aims to support local food producers, business and new start-ups in the food industry.
“This school will be of great benefit to people in Meath wishing to begin a career in culinary arts. Courses will be available to those wishing to begin a career in the food industry. We aim to support local business and food producers through this venture.”
Ms Donnelly said that promoting a healthy lifestyle and focussing on the local community were also important. “As well as catering for professionals the school will also have courses designed for individuals looking to improve their skills at home. Courses will include healthy eating and promoting a healthy lifestyle and cooking on a budget. All courses will aim to foster a greater understanding of the work involved in culinary and home arts at home. After all when we reflect on our homes and why they are so important it is clear that the home is where the foundation of health and happiness are laid.”
The launch took place at the Lismullin Conference and Events centre last Thursday. Attendees included Fiona Lawless from Meath County Council, Agnes Cosgrove, Home Economics Teacher in Scoil Mhuire, Trim and Sandra Earl, Earl’s Kitchen, Navan. The project is co-financed by the Meath Partnership through the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and through the European Agricultural Development fund for Rural Development.