Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each Local Authority.

Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister for Agriculture may make grants towards the expenses of a local authority incurred under the Act.

The payments to local authorities for the years in question are listed below:

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The Department also supports urban horse projects, providing funding for these projects through local authorities. The projects assist urban/traveller horse owners in complying with equine-related legislation including identification and control of horses. Education courses provided within the framework of the projects give the horse owners an opportunity to acquire skills in relation to caring and managing horses alongside a broader education.

Department officials work with and support local authorities and NGOs in progressing urban projects, and there are currently projects at every stage from the initial feasibility and planning stages to the operating stage around the country.

The Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, supporting with infrastructure and bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to disadvantaged areas.

The Department's payment to the projects issued through the relevant local authorities and organisations for the years in question: