Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to allocate funding in 2019 to agricultural shows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2996/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In December 2017, I announced financial support of €812,000 for Agricultural Shows to be held during 2018, to help alleviate financial difficulties suffered by a number of these shows in recent years, primarily due to adverse weather conditions.

This allocation was made in coordination with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) and resulted in approximately 120 shows under the umbrella of the ISA in the Republic of Ireland receiving assistance of between €3,500 and €7,000, depending on the size of the show.

On 7^thAugust 2018, I announced further financial support of €600,000 for agricultural shows. This funding will be distributed, once again, through the ISA. Under this allocation, approximately 120 shows will each receive up to €5,000 towards the running costs of shows being held in 2019.

I had the opportunity to visit many agricultural shows throughout the country during 2018 and I have seen first-hand the impact these shows make to the vibrancy of local communities. I was therefore very pleased to be in a position to provide additional support for the 2019 shows as they are an integral part of rural communities' calendars.

I will review the scope for further funding of the Agricultural Shows year-on-year, depending on overall funding priorities and budgetary availability.