Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The point about increasing the pot is on the back of the Department of Rural and Community Development, which provides up to €2 million for the Irish Shows Association for agricultural shows. I would like to see additional funding being allocated both to small-scale festivals and summer schools.

I acknowledge the input, contribution and support for the Home to Mayo campaign, which took place in May. That was an important event across the county, which provided a unique reason for visitors to visit County Mayo.

In recent years, we have seen a noticeable increase in activity challenges and events such as marathons, duathlons, triathlons and adventure challenges. I ask the Minister to look at a potential scheme to supports this type of event in the future. That would be important. The Achill half marathon takes place on 2 July and Race2Glory takes place in Kiltimagh on 9 July. These are significant events that will bring an enormous number of visitors and participants to the areas, which will support local businesses. It is important that such events would be supported in the future.

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