Sport and Recreational Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Questions (223)

Steven Matthews

Question:

223. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his attention has been drawn to a public liability scheme that has been adopted in the UK that offers insurance to those involved in horse walking trails on public and private land that indemnifies land owners against potential liabilities; and if he will consider engaging with Sport Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland and other relevant bodies to discuss the merits of implementing a similar scheme here. [8411/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Sport Ireland is tasked with the development of trail criteria and best practices along with maintaining the National Trails Register. Sport Ireland is currently undertaking a project to review and update the Horse Trail criteria for Ireland. The criteria will be the benchmark for the development of horse trails throughout the country ensuring that quality infrastructure is being developed to enable accessible, safe, and enjoyable trail riding opportunities. The criteria will also outline an appropriate system for the classification and grading of horse trails in line with international best practice. I am not aware of the detail of the scheme to which the Deputy refers but would be glad to discuss the matter in more detail with the Deputy.