CERTAIN equine projects will continue to be eligible for LEADER funding, particular those that contribute to Ireland’s rural tourism and job creation.

Tuesday’s announcement by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltachta Affairs effectively continues to throw a possible funding lifetime to a wide range of equine activities and rural tourism projects.

These may include grant funding for projects for equestrian centres and riding schools nationwide; treking and bridlepaths on public and private lands as well as agricultural shows.

A Department spokesperson said: “LEADER can provide funding up to €200,000 per project with the possibility to provide up to €500,000 for certain community-based projects. The overall level of funding will be decided by the Local Action Group in each area.” Successful past projects have ticked all the boxes under the headings of encouraging rural tourism; increasing economic activity in the rural economy; regenerating basic services for rural dwellers and the creation and development of micro-enterprises.

DEMAND

Initially funding under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme was not going to be continued for equine projects due to what the Department termed a “considerable level of investment” already committed to this area.

However, Minister Heather Humphreys looked again at the LEADER programme when it was transferred to her Department last summer and decided there was still demand for further investment, particularly for equine activities that contribute to rural tourism.

Minister Heather Humphreys stated: “The race and sport horse industries were deemed as ineligible activities under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme. However, support for ancillary activities for the provision of services was eligible where this was in keeping with the Local Development Strategies developed in each area. These activities included a broad range of actions, such as equestrian centre and riding school projects.

“In light of the considerable level of investment already undertaken in ancillary activities under the previous programme, it was decided that support for such activities would not be eligible under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.

“The LEADER Programme transferred to my Department last June and I launched the new LEADER Programme in July 2016.

“Since then, I have given consideration to this matter and it has become clear that there is still some demand for further investment in ancillary activities, particularly where this contributes to rural tourism.

“Therefore, I intend to amend the ineligible list of activities to allow for funding of ancillary activities for the equine industry. This will be on a targeted basis, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the supported infrastructure is widely accessible to the public,” added the Minister.

All interested in applying, should contact their LEADER Local Action Group.