Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

173. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the programme for Government commitment to develop additional urban horse welfare programmes; the interaction that his Department has had with local authorities, charities, and community stakeholders to provide stabling facilities and educational programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61298/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Both I and my 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. 

Typically, supports for the projects are provided by the Local Authorities and funding provided by my Department is paid directly through the Local Authorities to support these projects.

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.

In the coming months, to further facilitate and develop projects on a nationwide basis, officials in my Department are planning on holding a seminar dedicated to urban horse projects. This will be attended by local authorities, a number of our successful project participants, horse welfare charities and stakeholders from the community.