Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh has said special grants for agricultural shows are a real boost for rural Ireland.
He made his comments after announcing grants for Donegal agricultural shows in Ardara, Inishowen, Clonmany, Finn-Valley and Glencolmcille.
He said “Five shows are to benefit from a special fund to help rural communities put on agricultural shows and celebrate all that is best about farming communities,” Minister McHugh said.
“I am delighted that the organisers of the shows in Ardara, Inishowen, Clonmany, Finn-Valley and Glencolmcille are being supported for next year.
“Each show will get a payment of about €5,000 to help them to put on their event and ease financial pressures.”
The funding has been sanctioned by Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring and it will be administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA).
Minister McHugh said: “Agricultural shows are a brilliant way to celebrate all that is good about rural Ireland. They are a permanent fixture on calendars in homes up and down the county and they are a cultural asset.
“The shows are a welcome boost for local business, by giving people a day out, drawing in visitors. And it’s not just about the farm – there really is something for everyone.”
Fine Gael Councillor Martin Harley welcomed the funding for the Finn-Valley Show: “Huge credit must go to all the people who make these shows a reality – the volunteers, the farmers and the people who put so much effort into planning.
“This funding will ease some of the burden and ensure the best shows for rural communities.”
