Údarás na Gaeltachta defend fur farm funding allocation

Údarás na Gaeltachta has responded to Irish Council against Blood Sports criticism of the fact that two fur farms in Donegal have received over €200,000 in state funding since 1998.
In a statement, Údarás say  both companies complied with all Department of Agriculture regulations, and provided considerable employment in Donegal for the last 21 years.
In a statement, Údarás says it is tasked with the Economic, Social and Cultural development of Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas, and as a central part of their economic mission, they support eligible businesses of all types to provide employment in rural Gaeltacht communities.
The statement notes that enterprises applying for state support from development agencies must ensure that their activities are undertaken according to the laws and guidelines laid down by the state and the EU at that time.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine set out the legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming in the State and apply rigorous controls on licence-holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management, with regular inspections.
In the case of Tazetta Ltd. and Roxy Ltd. eligibility for state aid was thoroughly assessed under the requirements set out in State Aid rules and were found to be eligible for state support in 2009 and 1998 respectively.