FEARS that the new Government might be less supportive of the racing and bloodstock industry have receded following the appointment of Barry Cowen, Pippa Hackett and Martin Heydon as Minister and Ministers of State respectively at the Department of Agriculture.

Cowen, a Fianna Fáil TD from Laois-Offaly, is a former greyhound track manager and his brother, former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, was involved in racehorse ownership. He has consistently voted in favour of funding for the racing industry since being elected to the Dáil in 2016.

Kilbeggan Racecourse manager Paddy Dunican said: “The Cowens are from Clara, five miles across the road from here. They are great supporters of Kilbeggan and Barry is a regular visitor to the races here. I believe his energy, enthusiasm and passion will help him become a great minister.”

Martin Heydon (Fine Gael, Kildare South) is knowledgeable about the racing industry, as it is an important source of employment in his constituency. He regularly attends racing industry events on behalf of the Government and has spoken positively about the sector in the Dáil.

Heydon told The Irish Field yesterday: “My role in the Department has specific responsibility for research and development, farm safety and well-being, and new market development, which will be crucial in the post-Brexit area. I’m sure I’ll be working across all sections of the Department throughout my tenure too.

“As a Kildare man, who has thousands of constituents employed in the horse racing and breeding sector, I will maintain my keen interest in the sector.”

If there was to be a Green voice in the Department responsible for racing, Pippa Hackett was by far the best result for the industry. She and her husband Mark breed and trade thoroughbreds at Moat House Farm in Geashill, Co Offaly, and she is a member of the ITBA. She studied equine science in UCD. Her super-junior ministerial role covers biodiversity and land usage.

ITBA chief executive Shane O’Dwyer said: “The recent ministerial appointments are a strong indication that the Government recognise the importance of the agricultural sector and solidifies their on-going support for the bloodstock industry.

“An ITBA delegation met with Minister Cowen last year, so he is acutely aware of the contribution Irish breeders make to the rural economy. Martin Heydon is a great supporter and advocate of the industry and was very instrumental in keeping the breeding industry open during lockdown.

“I am delighted to see that part of his brief is farm safety as this is an area the ITBA has put a lot of effort into over the last few years and I look forward to working closely with Minister Heydon to further minimise risk in this area.

“The ITBA has commenced a study on the environmental impact of the bloodstock industry and how we can become more energy-efficient and work towards a more sustainable environment. With this in mind I am thrilled that Pippa Hackett, who is a member of the ITBA, has joined cabinet with a very important role, and I look forward to her sharing her expertise in the area of land use and diversification as we work through the study.”

No matter how supportive the Department is of racing, very few would expect the sector to see this year’s level of Government funding (€67.2 million) replicated next year, given the damage done to public finances by Covid-19.

However, just as important to the industry over the next 12 months will be the Government’s support in keeping the movement of horses between Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe as unfettered as possible when the Brexit transition period ends on December 31st.