THE sport horse sector has been allocated €5.2 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Budget 2023, which indicates no increase on 2022. A further €1.9 million has been allocated to the Irish Equine Centre, while Horse Racing Ireland’s allocation is up 4% to €72.8 million.

Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, said: “There is an allocation of €5.2 million for the sport horse sector. As Minister McConalogue has outlined, the support in equine TAMS as a new standalone element in TAMS next year is something that can really be a step change, particularly for breeders.