A local TD has welcomed the announcement of €1 million in funding for a number of different agricultural shows around the country, including 6 locally.
123 shows nationwide will benefit from the funding, which was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary yesterday.
Carlow Kilkenny TD and Leas Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann John McGuinness voiced his support for the funding, which will see over €11,000 go to shows such as the Iverk in Piltown, and €10,700 for the Tullow Agricultural show.
In addition, Ballyfoyle Agricultural show in Kilkenny and Raheendaw Show in Carlow will receive €8,350, while the Castlegannon and Welsh Championship shows in Kilkenny will each receive €6,700.
Speaking to KCLR News, Deputy McGuinness spoke about what the funds will be used for, noting that “this money helps them to cover costs, and deal with the management and presentation of the shows.”
Continuing, he stated that the festivals are “hugely important in rural Ireland, and they’re supported by all sorts of businesses, and the community itself then benefits out of the facilities that are there, and the information that they can pick up at these shows, so they’re very good, very relevant, and its important to support them.”
And you can listen to Deputy McGuinness’ full comments to KCLR News here: