City of Dublin ETB Launch of the 2026 Franco-Irish Forum for Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism (FICAHT) Programme 

City of Dublin ETB was honoured to welcome the Ambassador of France to Ireland, H.E. Céline Place to City of Dublin FET College Liberties for the official launch of the 2026 Franco-Irish Forum for Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism (FICAHT) Programme.  

This event marked the beginning of a two-day programme dedicated to strengthening collaboration, innovation, and skills development between France and Ireland. 

Strengthening Franco-Irish Collaboration 

The forum brought together educators, industry leaders, and students to celebrate the strong and longstanding relationship between France and Ireland. Over the course of the programme, participants reflected on and celebrated the strong Franco-Irish relationship, working together to build the skills and innovation needed for the future of the Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism sectors. 

City of Dublin ETB Chief Executive, Dr Christy Duffy, officially opened the event, welcoming the French delegation. This was followed by insightful panel discussions featuring contributors from South East Technological University (SETU), Munster Technological University (MTU), and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). 

The day also featured a student competition showcase and awards, along with round-table discussions bringing together industry and education stakeholders to explore skills, sustainability and partnership opportunities. 

The second day of the forum included a series of professional visits, offering delegates the opportunity to experience leading hospitality and food settings in practice. This included a full-day programme at Airfield Estate, where participants engaged in workshops with chefs, explored teaching practices and professional techniques, and toured the estate’s facilities.