Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has included equine breeding discussion groups in his proposed spend under the RDP, although it remains unclear how much money will be allocated to equine groups compared to mainstream agricultural enterprises such as dairy, beef and sheep.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said: “€100m is allocated for the running of all the Knowledge Transfer Groups over the lifetime over the RDP. However, allocations in relation to individual groups will only be made as the scheme design and roll out process is finalised.”