Irish racing to receive increased funding from government in 2025 as budget reveals support of €79.28m

The Irish government will increase its contribution to racing next year by more than €3 million after the 2025 Budget revealed funding of €79.28m to the industry. 

That is an increase of 4.3 per cent on the 2024 figure of €76m. There was more good news as it was announced that the first year of funding has also been allocated to the redevelopment of the Irish Equine Centre, located outside Naas in County Kildare.

An €8.3bn budget was unveiled by the government in Ireland on Tuesday, one which will "put the country on a firm footing for the future" according to Jack Chambers, the Minister for Finance. The Irish racing industry has been one of the winners, with Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Suzanne Eade "very pleased" about the news. 

Eade said: "We have received a budget 2025 allocation of €79.28m, a 4.3 per cent uplift on 2024. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have also set aside the first year of funding towards the redevelopment of the Irish Equine Centre. 

"We're very pleased to have received the continued support for the industry from the department and HRI’s budgeting process for 2025 is already under way and will be focused on key strategic priorities for the industry."

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