A total of nine agricultural shows in Clare are set to receive grants for next year.
It is part of a national allocation that will benefit almost 120 agricultural shows throughout the country in 2018 with €63,000 coming to Clare.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said: “These shows are hugely important to the rural economy, said Deputy Carey, who is Chairman of the Oireachtas committee on rural and community affairs.
“We know the economic benefit they bring to the local economy with surrounding towns and villages benefitting hugely from each show.
“The Government considers this funding an important investment in rural communities and I’m delighted that Minister Michael Ring has granted this funding for Clare.
“The Clare shows that will receive a grant of €7,000 each are: Clarecastle, Corofin, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilrush, Mullagh, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Bridgetown and Scariff.
“This funding allocation takes into account the fact that smaller shows have particularly struggled in recent years. This funding will be a great boost to these events and I commend the dedicated volunteers who work so hard on making the shows happen every year”, Deputy Carey added.
The funding will be allocated in coordination with the Irish Shows Association and the recipients are all members of that Association. Additional shows affiliated to the Irish Shows Association may be added to the list at a later stage.
Minister Ring said: “I know that many shows have struggled in recent years as a result of adverse weather and increased costs. These shows have been a mainstay of the local summer and their absence has been keenly felt. I hope that this once-off funding will help prevent that situation recurring next year and will help these shows to get back on a sound footing.”
The news has also been welcomed by Minster of State Pat Breen TD.