Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the development of the urban horse welfare programme, which is a priority of the new animal welfare strategy launched in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11460/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and with Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. My Department 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, while also supporting horse welfare.

Typically, supports for the projects are provided by the Local Authorities and my Department provides funding to the Local Authorities to support these projects.

In this regard, my Department work's with and support's 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 pleased to say that an additional project based in Ballina, Co Mayo was added last year and will continue in 2023, through the work of Mayo County Council and officials from my Department.

To further encourage and develop projects on a nationwide basis, officials in my Department are currently planning a seminar dedicated to the promotion of urban horse projects.