Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
159. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding streams that are available through his Department for urban horse facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26718/22]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government, both I and my Department are fully committed to providing for additional urban horse welfare projects.
The Department continues to take a proactive approach in supporting the development of facilities for urban horse populations and in enabling and educating young people in the care and welfare of horses.
Work to support urban horse welfare projects is carried out in close collaboration with the local authorities, charities and community stakeholders, reflecting Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025.
My Department supports urban horse projects primarily through capital funding, which is available through a formal application by the local authority in question, and is primarily aimed at provision of infrastructure and education.
My Department has supported 15 projects to date, involving a total outlay of €1,622,000 spent. There are currently projects at every stage from the initial feasibility and planning stages to the operating stage around the country.
