Vol. 445 No. 6
132 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the measures, if any, that are taken in the interest of safety of pedestrians using the footpaths in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, to ensure that persons on horse-back coming mainly from local riding schools do not use the pathways; and if the Office of Public Works has received complaints from the public in this regard. [287/94]
Under the Phoenix Park by-laws the riding of horses on any footpath, or on any grass area within 20 yards of any road of footpath is prohibited. This regulation is strictly enforced by park rangers with the exception of horses entering by the Castleknock gate when they require to cross the footpath close to the gate to gain access to the grass area.
There have been a number of complaints from members of the public regarding horse riding in the park and I have instructed park staff to put into effect the necessary measures to ensure greater control over this activity.
