Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
187. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Cork County Council refuses to remove stray horses from lands in Hollyhill, Cork city, in view of numerous requests from the landowner to do so; the reason persons living in the area are allowed to own horses if they do not have adequate land for grazing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42547/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department officials are aware of the situation in Hollyhill to which the Deputy refers.
I am informed that the Gardai have taken the lead in the matter under the provisions of the Control of Horses Act and a total of five equines were removed recently under the Act. I also understand that the remaining animals were removed temporarily from the site. An Garda Siochana are aware of the situation and are liaising with the relevant stakeholders.
A local authority may, where it considers that, in any place or area within its functional area, horses are causing or may cause a nuisance or danger to persons or damage to property, make bye-laws to
prohibit a person from having, keeping, riding or driving a horse in that place or area at any time or at such times as may be specified in the bye-laws.
