HORSE SPORT IRELAND AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, EQUALITY AND GAELTACHT AFFAIRS LAUNCH GUIDE TO GRANT FUNDING UNDER THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO THE SPORT HORSE SECTOR

HORSE Sport Ireland, in conjunction with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has today (Monday) published ‘A Guide to Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme: Grant Supports for Ancillary Services to the Sport Horse Sector’.

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) has funding of 425m euro available to be allocated to qualifying projects across all of the programme measures up to the end of 2013.

The main aim of the programme is to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. The programme has facilitated and continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities since it became operational in February 2009.

Grant funding available to eligible projects within the Sport Horse Sector include projects in tourism, diversification into non agricultural activities, business creation and infrastructural projects.

Speaking at the launch at the Army Equitation School, Dublin today, Minister Pat Carey TD said that the RDP is in a position to provide support to certain activities of the Sport Horse industry, assisting it to maintain and strengthen its valuable contribution to rural economies.

He said: "I am delighted to endorse this guidance document which provides details of potential funding available to the sport horse industry through Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme. The programme is delivered through 36 Local Action Groups throughout the country and any one interested in applying for funding under the Programme should contact their Local Action Group for assistance.

I look forward to working with Horse Sport Ireland and its affiliates into the future to ensure their continued contribution to the development of Ireland’s rural economy with the support of the RDP."

Also speaking at the launch today, Joe Walsh, Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland, said he was pleased that the Guide details the type of projects that may be funded within the Sport Horse industry under the Rural Development Programme (RDP).

"The Irish Sport Horse industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and to the social fabric of Irish rural communities. To that end, Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to work with the Department Of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and with the various nationwide Local Action Groups, in adopting an integrated approach to local development delivery.

"The Irish Sport Horse industry is a growing rural resource. Huge potential exists to develop locally based services, rural tourism and projects towards the advancement of rural diversification. The Irish Horse is a world brand leader, and because sport horses are so widely dispersed throughout every parish in the country, the industry has major potential to develop as an alternative farm enterprise."

ends

For further information on the Guide please contact :-

Martin Moloney at Horse Sport Ireland on ph: 045 854523 or email mmoloney@horsesportireland.ie.

For further information on the Guidelines and details of the Local Action Groups please contact :-

EU Rural Development Division

Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta on ph: 071-9107841 www.pobail.ie

DOWNLOAD THE HSI GUIDE TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS HERE

Minister Pat Carey TD (left), with HSI Chairman Joe Walsh today at the launch in the Army Equitation School