Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. In keeping with the programme for Government, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is committed to working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders in supporting urban horse welfare programmes, in particular in the context of facilities and education programmes. Funding provided to South Dublin County Council in support of the Clondalkin Equine Centre has been the largest capital commitment by the Department in support of an urban horse programme.

To date the Department has provided funding of almost €560,000, with a further €26,000 made available this year subject to commitments entered into by officials from the Department and the club. This agreement was in the context of limitations imposed by Covid-19, agreeing further efforts to secure alternative funding and the proposed formulation of a strategy for the organisation. This funding of €503,000 in 2016 was committed to on the understanding that South Dublin County Council satisfied itself with the rules and governance of the club and that the project, when up and running, would be self-sustaining and assisted with reducing reliance on control of horses' activities.

This project also committed to the education of horse owners, particularly young horse owners, in the care and welfare of horses, as well as presenting educational and development opportunities for young people. At the time, the Department made it clear to South Dublin County Council that funding would not be available for the day-to-day running of the club going forward. To ensure sustainability, the Department worked with the council towards the hiring of a part-time project manager with responsibility for the further development of this horse project and the Department provided funding towards this employment for a time.

The Department provided further funding in 2019 of €20,000 to the council towards the salary of a full-time manager following a commitment from the club to pursuing alternative streams of revenue. Earlier this year, following representations and meetings with the club board and management, the Department agreed to provide a final tranche of short-term funding to the project through the council. The Government is committed to supporting urban horse projects and work is ongoing with other Departments and local authorities to ensure that horses and the young people who care for them receive appropriate support.

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