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Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today (Thursday, 24 October 2019) announced funding of €600,000 for Agricultural Shows around the country. This allocation will fund approximately 120 shows due to take place in 2020.

Each qualifying show will receive a payment of approximately €5,000 to support these important events in rural communities. The investment is being administered through the Irish Shows Association (ISA) and the recipients are all members of that Association. It is intended that the funding will help the Agricultural Shows to meet the financial challenge associated with delivering their events.

In making the announcement Minister Ring said:

Agricultural shows are a great celebration of rural Ireland and they are an integral part of our culture. The shows provide a welcome boost for local economies and attract visitors to enjoy our rural towns and villages at their best.  

This is an investment in rural communities and in the rural economy. 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.

The funding I am allocating will be a huge boost for these shows and it is a fitting recognition of the valuable contribution they make to the economies and communities of rural Ireland.  The €600,000 I am providing for the shows builds on funding of €1.4 million which I have provided to the Agricultural Shows over the last two years.

The Agricultural Shows are a much cherished fixture in the rural calendar. I have seen the impact of the funding at the many shows I have visited this summer. The shows have something for everyone. It’s not all about livestock; there is entertainment, competitions, craft fairs, cookery and other demonstrations and competitions.

The Minister continued:

The commitment of local volunteers makes it possible for these shows to take place year on year. I’m delighted to be able to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication that goes into every show and I’m pleased that the Irish Shows Association has once again agreed to work with my Department to administer the funding.  

These shows are a real celebration of local heritage. I’m delighted to be supporting this opportunity to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the best that local people and their communities have to offer visitors from near and far.

Notes to editors: 

The below list names the Agriculture Shows which benefit from this funding in 2019: