WORK is ongoing on the new Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill which is currently at the consultative process stage, the Daíl heard recently.

The complex repeal of the Dublin Carriage Acts (1853-55) is under way and seeks to remove the trade’s regulation and licensing from An Garda Síochána. Unlike other local authorities in the country, Dublin City Council lacks the power to regulate and set standards for horse-drawn carriages in the capital.

Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh (SF) tabled two questions, asking when the new Bill would be brought before the House of the Oireachtas and whether the consultation process had been completed.

No timeline

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Eamon Ryan, TD (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) replied: “As the Deputy is already aware, the development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical and so I am unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this work. This issue spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government. Consultations with stakeholders are ongoing at present.

“Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities and, therefore, horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities, which is the intention of the current draft primary legislation. Once the current process of stakeholder engagement has been satisfactorily completed, which is planned for Q1 2023, I will seek Government approval for the detailed drafting of a Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill. This is required before it can be introduced to the Oireachtas with a view to its eventual enactment.”