Minister for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development and Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Mayo South, Seán Kyne TD has today confirmed once-off funding of over €100,000 to support agricultural shows in Galway.
The funding is part of a national allocation of €840,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development to support agricultural shows with the investment being co-ordinated by the Irish Shows Association.
Commented Minister Kyne: “This funding represents a massive boost to Galway’s agricultural shows which are important annual events for communities right across Galway.
“The once-off funding, allocated by my department colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, will support the agricultural shows in 2018 and help ensure that the shows can continue to be a highlight of the year for rural communities. It is particularly important given the difficulties experienced by the shows in recent years because of adverse weather.
“Agricultural shows are important for the farming sector, including livestock and equestrian, but are also an excellent showcase for local food and crafts producers as well as other local businesses.
“This funding will support the agricultural shows in Ardrahan, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballyconneely, Claregalway, Clifden, Corofin, Corrandulla, Glenamaddy, Gort, Loughrea, Mountbellew, Oughterard, Roundstone, Spiddal and the Connemara Performance Show, among others.
“With each show receiving a grant of €7,000 the funding will boost the local economy and along with the recent allocation for Tidy Towns groups – of which Galway received €63,000 – demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to supporting rural communities and rural Ireland.”
Note:
The Irish Shows Association will manage the distribution of the grant and will write to all qualifying shows to provide details on the scheme and outline what will be required of the shows in order to avail of funding.
The ISA will make the payments to the shows and will provide a full report to the Department on the scheme in 2018.
Seán Kyne TD
