Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
917. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has explored the potential development of the harness racing sector as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10061/22]
View answerThe Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) is a representative body for harness racing in Ireland.
From 2016 to date grants totaling some €175,000 have been paid to the IHRA under the Equine Infrastructure Scheme operated by my Department. Other supports have also been provided my Department in relation to the production of a strategic plan and an education programme aimed at road racing sulky participants.
My Department has received a number of funding submissions from the IHRA which have been reviewed by my officials and myself. In that context, I recently met with representatives of the IHRA and will provide a response to the IHRA in relation to the issues raised in the near future.
