951. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding streams available through his Department for agricultural shows or gymkhanas or other equine events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48757/26]

Since 2017, my Department has provided funding of over €6.3 million to assist the Irish Shows Association (ISA) support agricultural shows throughout the country. This year I allocated €1 million to support shows nationwide. The funding is used to defray some of the operational costs associated with running the shows, and the ISA work closely with my Department to distribute funding to individual affiliated show committees.

These shows are focal points for rural communities to come together to see the latest developments equine events, agri-food industry, farming community and local artisan producers and indeed to meet and socialise.

The LEADER programme has been operating successfully in Ireland for 35 years now. In line with the Programme for Government, LEADER has a strong focus on rural tourism, and funding has been made available under the programme for community festivals and local tourism initiatives such as agricultural or horse shows. For example, the Deputy may be aware that Kilmacanogue and District Show was approved for LEADER funding towards expanding the show offerings to attract a wider audience.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, the proposed activity must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved LEADER Local Development Strategy and it must comply with the EU Regulations and Operating Rules.

Prospective applicants that are located in an eligible LEADER area should, in the first instance, contact their Local Action Group through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Contact details are available on Gov.ie/LEADER

Much like the Deputy I am a regular visitor to agricultural shows year on year and I am very grateful for the volunteers who give freely of their time to ensure the success of these shows.