375. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received an application for funding from Wicklow County Council under the Traveller equine pilot project 2015-16; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local residents are opposed to this proposal; if he has examined and made a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15609/15]

In 2014 I announced the allocation of €1 million in funding to support the development of facilities to provide shelter for the urban horse population and to educate young people in these areas in the care and welfare of horses. The aim of this fund is to establish shelters in association with Local Authorities in a number of locations in 2015. I can confirm an application for funding has been submitted by Irish Horse Welfare Trust in relation to the above project. There has been no decision made to date on funding this application. I am aware that the proposal is still under discussion with Wicklow County Council.