Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of equine welfare and urban horse projects funded by his Department each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38192/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Both I and the Department are fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government. Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide. These projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds.

In this regard, 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. I am please to say that an additional project based in Ballina has been added for 2022 through the work of Mayo County Council and officials from my Department.

The number of urban horse projects funded by my Department for the years in question are: