Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
325. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether existing legislation is sufficient to address specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
All road users, including drivers of horse-drawn vehicles, are subject to road traffic legislation which is enforced by An Garda Síochána.
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. 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.
In a situation where there is an illegal race, with no notice given, it is a matter for An Garda Síochána to enforce under section 74(4) of the Roads Act 1993.
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. There are presently no plans to legislate for sulky racing specifically.
Animal welfare issues in relation to sulky racing are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
