Tipperary TD Michael Lowry says he strongly supports the increased funding allocated to the horse and greyhound racing industries in the Budget. The increased allocation to €99.1 million for the year ahead is a significant and important investment according to the TD as it not only supports the activities themselves but also the broader economic ecosystem relating to horse and greyhound racing. €79.3 million is allocated to Horse Racing Ireland and €19.8 million to Rásaíocht Con Éireann respectively for 2025.
Deputy Lowry highlighted the positive impacts of the funding, particularly for Greyhound Racing Ireland as it works to increase attendance figures He also emphasised the importance of providing funding for retired greyhounds which is to support a dedicated sanctuary and rescue centre for retired greyhounds. The TD is highlighting that the breeding and horse racing industry is estimated to generate an average of €1.8 billion in gross expenditure annually supporting more than 10,000 Irish jobs directly.
The fund is supported through a tax on betting with the entire proceeds of the tax ring-fenced for Horse and Greyhound Racing each year. Since 2001, a total of €1.7 billion has been paid from the fund to the horse and greyhound racing industries. During the course of the Dáil Debate to approve the allocation Tipperary TD Martin Browne called for a review of how the funding is used and asked for capital funding for the PAWS Animal Rescue in Mullinahone. Deputy Mattie McGrath also pleaded for funding for PAWS Animal Rescue. The full Dáil debate can be viewed at this link here.
