On 13 November 2014, Local Authorities countrywide were informed of details outlining a €1 million fund being made available by my Department to develop facilities for urban / traveller horse projects. Expressions of interest were sought from those authorities who wished to initiate projects and Galway City Council was among those that initially responded. On 24 September, 2015 my Department again wrote to those local authorities from whom DAFM received an initial interest but had not progressed to development. It is my understanding that at present Galway City Council are in the process of examining a feasibility study in association with the Galway Traveller Movement. Separately, I understand that Galway County Council are considering priority areas for a project within the county. Discussions between my Department and both Galway Local Authorities remain ongoing.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine remain committed to developing a number of urban horse projects as they provide many benefits to communities including reductions in the amount of stray animals. The education program available to horse owners also enables greater compliance with animal welfare regulations. My Department's support focuses on the capital set up costs of the project and it is expected that all horse projects should endeavour to be self-financing over time.