Minister concerned at use of horse-drawn vehicles on roads

Dáil heard a 'Wild West situation' had developed, where carriage drivers who meet  requirements under old by-laws were working alongside 'cowboys'

There is no national system or legislation dedicated to the regulation of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads in Ireland. File picture: Dan Linehan

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon has expressed his concern at the "complex" issue of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads.

It comes amid concerns a "Wild West" situation has developed around their use.

The Fine Gael minister has contacted transport minister Darragh O'Brien and justice minister Jim O'Callaghan and a working group comprising senior officials from the three departments has taken place to "scope out" the issues.

Mr Heydon made the comments in the Dáil this month in response to a question about the racing of horse-drawn vehicles from Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy.

"I have written to both ministers, expressing my concern about the subject of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads from the perspective of road safety and animal welfare," Mr Heydon replied.

He said further meetings between the departments' officials had been planned.

There is no national system or legislation dedicated to the regulation of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads in Ireland.

Their use falls under the Control of Horses Act 1996 and elements of the Roads Act and Road Traffic Act, which are enforced by An Garda Síochána.

In Dublin, their regulation is governed by Victorian-era laws which the Dáil heard had prevented Dublin City Council from creating modern by-laws to regulate carriage operators and placed "passengers, pedestrians and motorists in peril".

Traditional carriage drivers in the capital, called jarveys, have called for regulation of the industry and said the lack of licensing has led to complaints about animal welfare and the overcharging of tourists.

Sinn Féin TD Marc Ward introduced a bill this month that aimed to tackle any "irresponsible" use of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin.

He said a "Wild West situation" had developed, where carriage drivers who meet the requirements under the old by-laws were working alongside "cowboys".

Mr O'Brien told the Dáil last month existing legislation on horse-drawn carriages is being reviewed and initial scoping work on the Horse Drawn Carriages for Hire or Reward Bill, which was agreed to be drafted in 2019, has taken place.

He said this would "ensure legislative consistency across the country" and a draft could be ready this year or early next year for Government approval.

On Friday, New York City Council approved a ban of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by 2028, after the death of an 18-year-old tourist involving a carriage last year.