Department defends €200k grant for 'elitist' foodie gathering

Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys said the festival had been awarded the money under a rural LEADER initiative. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The Department of Rural Affairs has defended giving a €200,000 grant to a festival that has been described as an "elitist" foodie gathering for the well-connected.

The Great Gathering, which takes place in Wicklow in June, bills itself as a "fusion of delicious foods and gripping conversations".