THE number of horse fairs in Smithfield could be reduced from 12 down to just two as part of new bylaws being proposed by Dublin City Council.
From September 17, members of the public can have their say on the new laws for the controversial horse market, which has taken place in Smithfield plaza for many years.
The consultation process will be held over two-months and is aimed at agreeing suitable bylaws to regulate and exercise better control on the fair and horse traders.
The council wants traders to have a license and public liability insurance in an effort to discourage rouge traders from the fair.
Over the last 18 months, the fair, which has traditionally taken place on the first Sunday of every month, has been subject to an ongoing, dedicated crackdown by gardai, customs officers and social welfare officials.
As a result, numbers at the once chaotic, violent and dangerous horse fair have dwindled to less than 15 people attending each month.
According to Jimmy Cahill of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), the crackdown has significantly reduced the number of cases of horse cruelty and neglect in and around the city.
“We very much hope that council can pass these bylaws,
? he said.
“The bylaws are for the benefit of all involved in the fair. We are not against the fair taking place, we just want it to be properly policed and controlled.
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Dublin MEP Emer Costello (Lab) urged local residents, animal welfare activists and the organisers of the horse fair to have an input into the public consultation process.
“I have long been saying that the horse fair is not suitable in Smithfield and I supported local residents in their call for its relocation to a green field site,
? she stated.
“Following incidents last year, I worked with the city council and other agencies in seeking strict controls on the horse fair and the implementation of existing legislation.
“In recent months there has been a consolidated, inter-agency approach to the management of the horse fair and each organisation should be commended for an effective, large-scale effort. However, such an approach is not sustainable in the long-run.
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The council’s proposed bylaws, which will be subject to a vote by local councillors, include recommendations on the time of the fair, fees and casual trading licences, animal welfare and control of horses.
According to Ms Costello, the council’s bylaws are justified.
“These are reasonable requirements for a major city market and event,
? she stated.
“Unlike the GAA, which makes a substantial contribution to the match day policing and management at Croke Park, traders at Smithfield make no such contribution for the management of the horse fair and operate outside the remit of a casual traders’ permit.
“Apart from animal welfare and other concerns, Dublin City Council and the gardai cannot be expected to continue to devote such considerable resources to the management of the horse fair.
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