More LEADER grants in sport horse sector

MAJOR potential to develop a sport horse alternative farm enterprise was claimed by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chairman Joe Walsh at the recent launch of a guide to rural development programme grant aid for the sector.

The sport horse industry is a growing rural resource widely dispersed throughout every parish, and is a world brand leader, said Mr Walsh.

Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Pat Carey said the LEADER rural development programme has funding of €425m up to the end of 2013, and can support certain activities of the sport horse industry, assisting it to maintain and strengthen its valuable contribution to rural economies.