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.