Thomas Gould
Question:96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the horse project in Cork city. [8366/24]
View answerThursday, 22 February 2024
Questions (96)
Written answers
I am fully committed to supporting sustainable One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and our national animal welfare strategy, "Working Together for Animal Welfare 2021-2025", and continue to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide.
These projects foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds.
Typically, support and arrangements for these projects are provided by the Local Authorities. The funding provided by my Department is paid through the Local Authorities to support these projects.
Through Cork City Council, my Department has, in the past, supported a Cork City Horse Project which was a collaborative initiative involving Cork City and County Councils and community stakeholders including the Traveller Visibility Group. In 2016, my Department supported three equine education modules undertaken by this Project with funding of almost €20,000 though our Urban Horse Projects scheme.
In October last year, my Department held a seminar dedicated to the promotion of such urban horse projects nationwide. The seminar encouraged collaboration and the exchange of ideas and best practices among local authorities and other stakeholders, with a view towards enabling more projects to be successfully established.
My Department welcomes further submissions, through local authorities, for assistance in Cork in the context of our Urban Horse Projects scheme.