THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, said that a €600,000 allocation announced by his Department on Tuesday to agricultural shows represents an important investment in rural communities and the rural economy. Approximately 120 agricultural shows around the country which are due to take place in 2019 will benefit.

Each show is eligible to receive €5,000 from the government in an effort to support these important rural community events. This investment is being carried out in coordination with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) and the recipients are all members of that Association. Last year Minister Ring introduced funding to support agricultural shows taking place in 2018 in recognition of the difficulties experienced by shows in recent years.

Minister Ring said: “This represents a substantial investment in rural communities and in the rural economy by the Government. I know that this funding will provide a huge boost to the agricultural shows that are such an integral part of our rural culture. They are a showcase for local communities and for all that is good about rural Ireland.

“At the Bonniconlon Show in Mayo yesterday, and at other shows I have visited this summer, I have seen the impact of the funding I allocated for this year’s shows. I am delighted to be in a position to provide these shows with financial support to enable the shows invest in and improve their shows for the summer of 2019.

“Agricultural shows are a great celebration of rural culture which contribute significantly to the local economies of towns and villages and their hinterlands across Ireland,” added Minister Ring.