Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD pictured with Jim Harrison, Secretary, (left) and Ray Brady, National President Irish Shows Association | PICTURE: Julien Behal
Dungarvan Agricultural Show has been allocated almost €10,000 in investment for the 2024 show season.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced the investment of one million euro to support 122 Agricultural Shows right across the country on Friday, March 22.
As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size, to support each committee to prepare for the upcoming show season, which takes place over the summer months.
Taking place Sunday, July 14, the Dungarvan Agricultural Show has been awarded a grant of €9,995.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said she was delighted to support Irish agricultural shows "through this substantial investment".
“These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them.
“They act as a platform for local producers to showcase their products and have become a key date in the calendar for the farming community.
This year’s €1 million allocation builds on the record allocation of €1 million made in 2023, bringing the total level of funding for agricultural shows since 2018 to over €4.3 million.
The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) to administer the Scheme for 2024.
The Department, together with ISA, are encouraging participating shows to be more environmentally aware in delivering their shows.
Initiatives in the areas of waste management, responsible printing, use of single use plastics, and appropriate traffic management should all be considered with a view to showcasing best practice in the area of event management and becoming more sustainable.
"I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the show committees, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and local organisations that play a role in each of these shows," Minister Humphrey's continued.
“I hope to attend a number of the shows around the country this year. Finally, I would encourage everyone to go along to their local show - you will be surprised with all that the Agricultural Shows have to offer.”
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