Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
403. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will confirm whether she will provide grants for agricultural shows, in view of the fact that these shows promote community involvement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26893/23]
View answerSince 2018, my Department has provided funding of almost €2.3 million to the Irish Shows Association (ISA) to support agricultural shows throughout Ireland. The ISA is the umbrella body for most of the agricultural shows run throughout the country.
These shows are regarded as key dates in the rural calendar and central points for the agri-food industry, farming community and local artisan producers. I understand some 122 shows have been confirmed for this year.
The agricultural shows support programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of Our Rural Future. The funding is used to defray some of the operational costs associated with running the shows. The ISA work with my Department to distribute funding to individual affiliated show committees.
I am keenly aware of the sterling work undertaken by dedicated voluntary committees in making these Shows happen and I expect to be in a position to confirm the 2023 funding in the coming weeks.
