Equine projects now allowed Leader funding

Equine activities and rural tourism projects such as equestrian centres and riding schools will now be able to apply for Leader Programme grants, writes Brian Byrne.

This follows a move by Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Heather Humphries to amend the legislation for Leader applications to allow such projects.

The move has been welcomed by Deputy Martin Heydon as particularly useful for rural tourism projects of this kind in Kildare. “The extension of funding to ancillary activities for the equine industry highlights the importance and strength of the industry,” he says, “and indicates the opportunities for spin off business and creation of more jobs from it in important rural areas.”