In a recent development, Dublin City Councillors have passed an emergency motion advocating for the regulation of horse and carriage operators in the city. This comes in the wake of various incidents, including a horse collapse outside Christchurch Cathedral and instances of dangerous driving and anti-social behavior near the Guinness Storehouse.
Traditional carriage owners and companies like Diageo have expressed their concerns regarding safety and animal welfare issues in the unregulated sector. Despite the current legislation dating back to 1853, Dublin City Council lacks the authority to impose regulations on horse-drawn carriages due to a loophole in the law.
Chair of Dublin City Council’s Animal Welfare Oversight Committee, Deirdre Heney, stressed the urgency of the situation, calling it an “accident waiting to happen.” Traditional operators also emphasize the need for proper licensing, inspections, and regulation to ensure the well-being of horses and the safety of passengers.
The Department of Transport acknowledges the need for modern regulations in this sector and is working towards providing the council with the necessary legal framework. The Horse Drawn Carriages Bill is set to be addressed in the Government’s Legislative Programme for Summer 2024.
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