Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on plans to develop additional urban horse welfare programmes, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. I have asked my officials to support urban horse welfare in the context of this Strategy.

My Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide. In line with the Strategy, the Department's focus is on supporting start up infrastructure costs as well as initiatives that bring education on all aspects relating to equine welfare to areas that are dealing with urban horse challenges. I will continue to such supports in urban areas.

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