Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
420. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government intends to review the operation of section 74 of the Roads Act 1993 in relation to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35144/26]
View answer440. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to enhanced enforcement powers or dedicated operations in identified hotspot areas with regards to illegal sulky racing on public places and roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35911/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 440 together.
Under section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is possible to prescribe classes of road races for which relevant local authority approval, as the road authority, must be sought in advance, and for which there can then be road closures. Under this section, road race means a prescribed class of race, time trial or speed trial on a public road involving persons, vehicles or animals. A race which falls within prescribed classes and is not licensed is illegal, with penalties for the organiser. I understand that no classes of race have ever been prescribed under this section. I am aware, though, that the offence applies only to the organiser, and I understand that in many cases of sulky races there is no identifiable organiser.
Enforcing the Roads Act in matters where a road race takes place unlawfully without the permission of the roads authority is a matter of enforcement for An Garda Síochána. In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for Gardaí to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993. There are no plans at present to amend this legislation.
It is important to note that all road users are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána and participants in sulky racing are liable for any road traffic offences they may commit during the races. In many cases of sulky racing there is also considerable danger caused by vehicles following the race and in some cases driving alongside on the other side of the road. In these cases too the drivers can be held liable under the Road Traffic Acts.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
