Coughlan: Foot and mouth outbreak no threat to Irish shows

THE foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey currently poses no threat to the holding of agricultural shows around the country.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, who issued the assurance, said she was acutely conscious of the number of shows taking place at this time of year, not least the five-day Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, which begins today, and the Tullamore Livestock Show, which takes place on Sunday.

She said there was no reason why, given the current state of play, any agricultural show could not proceed.