Mark Ward
Ceist:119. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill; when it will be introduced and to give; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (119)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a comprehensive General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages, in line with advice from the Attorney General to ensure that Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area.
The Department of Transport undertook to consult directly with Dublin City Council in relation to the drafting of the Bill. This matter did not progress in 2020 as planned due to the need to reprioritise other work areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, some initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place, but work is at an early stage in terms of progressing the Bill due to other primary transport legislation being progressed currently.
My Department remains committed to progressing legislation that will replace the Dublin Carriage Act 1853 to ensure that the Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.
The development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which predates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical. This is an issue spanning the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government.
Targeted consultation with key stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine will take place this year.
It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.
In addition, section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence.
Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.