Funding allocated by the Government for agricultural shows can be used in 2021, said Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Speaking today, Monday, May 18, Minister Ring confirmed that the funding can be held in trust and carried forward to next year, where shows have had to cancel this year’s events due to Covid-19.
“Late last year, I allocated €600,000 to the Irish Shows Association to support approximately 120 agricultural shows around the country that were due to take place during 2020,” he explained.
As a result of the Covid-19 emergency, the Irish Shows Association has recommended the cancellation of all shows until restrictions are lifted and public safety can be ensured.
“Due to the extraordinary circumstances that we are experiencing at this time, in cases where an affiliated show is cancelled this year, I have asked the Irish Shows Association to hold the funding allocated for that show in trust, so that it can be used in 2021 if the show goes ahead,” Minister Ring confirmed.
“Any agricultural shows that can safely take place later in 2020 as restrictions are lifted, and in line with public health advice, can continue to utilise the funding available to them in 2020,” he explained.
“I want to thank the Irish Shows Association for working with my department on this arrangement and for their on-going advice to their members during the Covid-19 crisis,” the minister noted.
Agricultural shows are a great celebration of all that is good about rural Ireland. They provide a welcome boost for local economies and attract visitors to support our rural communities.
“Many shows have experienced disruption before and have bounced back through the efforts and resilience of local organisers. I have no doubt that this will be the case again when the Covid-19 pandemic has passed and we can gather safely in our communities once more in line with public health advice,” Minister Ring remarked.
He concluded: “I hope the contribution which my department has made to the shows will be a help in this regard. Each qualifying show will receive a payment of approximately €5,000 to support their event.”