Tipperary TD calls for a national framework governing the use of horse-drawn vehicles

Fine Gael TD Deputy Michael Murphy has called for the introduction of a consistent national framework governing the use of horse-drawn vehicles following the death of a horse in Clonmel .

The horse-drawn sulky died when it collided with two cars in the Old Bridge area in Clonmel on Wednesday of last week. A protest walk for animal welfare and road safety has been organised following the horrific incident.
It will be held in Clonmel on Saturday April 11 at 3pm. The walk will travel from Irishtown to the Plaza.

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Deputy Michael Murphy said the incident was entirely avoidable.

"The recent incident in Clonmel was shocking and deeply distressing. It resulted not only in a serious risk to public safety, but also in the tragic death of a horse.

This was an entirely avoidable situation. It exposed a deeply concerning reality where young individuals were placed in control of powerful animals on public roads, creating a clear danger to themselves, to other road users, and ultimately to the animal itself.

As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, I am clear that this cannot continue.

What we have at present is a patchwork of local authority bye-laws attempting to deal with what is fundamentally a national road safety issue. There is no consistent national framework governing the use of horse-drawn vehicles, and critically, no clear minimum age or competency requirement for those in control of them.

This is a glaring gap in our road safety laws.

Local bye-laws have a role, but they are not sufficient. Gardaí and local authorities need clear, consistent national rules that apply across the State.

Unlike motor vehicles, where age and competency requirements are clearly defined and enforced, there is currently no equivalent provision governing who may control a horse-drawn vehicle. Consideration should also be given to the introduction of a basic licensing or permitting system for those in control of horse-drawn vehicles, bringing this area into line with the fundamental principles that underpin our road traffic laws — namely that those in control of vehicles on public roads are properly trained, competent, and accountable.

I have today written to the Minister for Transport, (see below), pressing for his urgent attention to this matter and for a clear and timely response on the actions his Department will take.

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This is about protecting lives — human and animal — and ensuring that our public roads are safe for everyone.

I also intend to bring this matter before the Committee as a priority," said Deputy Murphy.