ALMOST 40 urban horse projects have been funded nationwide by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine over the past six years.

Cork North Central TD Pádraig O’Sullivan (FF) recently tabled a question asking 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.

In response, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD (FF) stressed the ongoing support from himself and his Department for the ‘One Health, One Welfare’ initiatives under the Programme for Government.

Minister McConalogue said: “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 DAFM for the years in question are:

2016 9

2017 4

2018 8

2019 7

2020 5

2021 6

(Total: 39).