39. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to allocate funding in 2019 for the various agricultural shows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43815/19]

Agricultural shows are a great celebration of all that is good about 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.

Over the last two years, I have allocated funding of €1.4 million to support many of Ireland’s the Agricultural Shows, through the Irish Shows Association.

I am delighted to announce today that I am allocating further funding of €600,000 to the Irish Shows Association to support shows due to take place in 2020.  Each qualifying show will receive a payment of approximately €5,000 to support their event.

This funding will be a huge boost for more than 100 shows which will take place next year and is a fitting recognition of the valuable contribution they make to the economies and communities of rural Ireland.