Minister Heydon announces opening of applications for Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Scheme 2026
- Published on: 22 October 2025
- Last updated on: 22 October 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today announced the launch of the Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Scheme 2026 along with the opening for receipt of applications. The scheme supports the development of our native equine industry through targeted investment under three programme headings: General Programme; Training and Education; and Research into Equine Diseases.
Minister Heydon said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the Equine Technical and Equine Breeding Scheme 2026, representing an investment of €854,000 in the Irish equine sector. This funding reflects my Department’s continued commitment to supporting a sector that plays such an important role in the rural economy and in the social and cultural fabric of Ireland. This scheme provides targeted support for a range of equine industry projects. In 2025, funding was awarded to 11 organisations to deliver 46 innovative projects across studbook development, breeding, education and research into equine diseases. I look forward to approving further projects under the 2026 scheme that will strengthen and sustain the long-term growth of this important sector.”
Applicants must comply with specific terms and conditions of each programme and projects must be completed and reported on in late 2026. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday, 12 December 2025.
Further details on the scheme, including a copy of the terms and conditions of each programme are available on the Department’s website under ‘Equine Support Scheme’.
For further information on the scheme, contact the Livestock Breeding, Production and Trade Division, Cavan by phone on 049 4368242 or email at ets@agriculture.gov.ie