Ministers agree all-island approach to equine traceability

The new rules means Northern Irish horse operators must provide an Equine Establishment Number when applying for an equine passport

Minister Andrew Muir stated that making EEN’s for equine keepers in the North a mandatory requirement is a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s equine traceability journey. File picture

A new alignment of equine traceability rules in Ireland, incorporating the Department of Agriculture and the North's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have been agreed.

Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, and minister for agriculture, environment and rural affairs, Andrew Muir, have welcomed the alignment of equine traceability rules in Ireland and Northern Ireland relating to equine holding numbers.

It is a legal requirement under the EU Animal Health Law (AHL) that all establishments where equines are kept must be registered with the competent authority. 

This means anyone responsible for an establishment where equines are kept must register that establishment with the relevant Government department.

Equine operators in Ireland have been required to quote an equine premises registration number (EPRN) when applying for an equine passport since 2020. From February 1, 2026, this requirement now also applies to operators in Northern Ireland.

Applicants for equine passports resident in Northern Ireland will need to provide an Equine Establishment Number (EEN).

Ministers Heydon and Muir highlighted the importance of regulatory alignment between their jurisdictions if robust equine traceability is to be achieved. 

Minister Muir stated that making EEN’s for equine keepers in the North a mandatory requirement is a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s equine traceability journey.

Welcoming the initiative, minister Heydon said: “The Irish horse industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland is closely integrated through trade, breeding and competition with frequent cross-border movement for racing, sales, training and veterinary care.

"The sector benefits from this all-island approach, and it is appropriate that the approach extends to traceability requirements. Minister Muir and I look forward to working together to support the equine sector.”

Minister Muir said: “The importance a country places on traceability is one of the clearest indicators of the importance it places on the health and welfare of its animals. Strong traceability is needed to protect the future of our equine sector, and this cannot be achieved without North-South co-operation.” 

Both ministers emphasised the importance of continued co-operation between both of the departments to address shared challenges and opportunities. 

The unique premises identification systems aim to support ongoing work to maintain the highest standards in equine health and biosecurity, reflecting the shared values and priorities of both administrations.