The 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.