The status protects food that has a unique link to a distinct geographical area, subsequently benefiting local economies and the food tourism industry.
Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “Comeragh Mountain Lamb is the meat from lambs, mainly of the Scotch Blackface breed, born and raised in the Comeragh Mountain region of Co Waterford. The lambs graze on the distinct and abundant habitat of wild grasses, flowers and herbs in the 12 Coums (Irish for ‘fertile hollow’) in the Comeragh mountain range, which provide the lamb with its particular flavour and delicate texture.”
Interested parties have until 24 August to submit comments to GeographicalIndications@agriculture.gov.ie or alternatively can write to GI Unit, Food Division, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2.
If approved, this would be the second Irish lamb breed to achieve PGI status; Connemara Hill Lamb has already been granted the recognition. Other products from the country that have been given PGI status are: Clare Island Salmon; Timoleague Brown Pudding; and Waterford Blaa. Meanwhile, Oriel Sea Salt, Oriel Sea Minerals and Imokilly Regato (cows’ milk cheese) have all been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status.