Dublin City Councillors have passed an emergency motion calling for the regulation of horse and carriage operators in the capital.

This follows several incidents, including the collapse of a horse outside Christchurch Cathedral, dangerous driving, passenger injuries, and anti-social behavior, particularly near the Guinness Storehouse.

Diageo has raised long-standing safety concerns with relevant authorities and the Government, advocating for greater regulation of horse and carriage operators.

Traditional carriage owners also support a proper licensing system to prevent rogue operators and protect animal welfare.

Currently, the horse and carriage sector in Dublin is regulated by the Dublin Carriages Act of 1853.

However, the 2001 Local Government Act prevents local authorities from making by-laws where power exists elsewhere, leaving Dublin City Council without the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages.

Deirdre Heney, Chair of Dublin City Council's Animal Welfare Oversight Committee, proposed the emergency motion, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen.

She highlighted that anyone aged 16 or over can drive a carriage horse in the city, and the council has no power to regulate the driver, the carriage, or ensure roadworthiness.

Traditional operators, including David Mulreany of Mulreany's Carriages, also want the sector regulated.

Mulreany emphasized the need for change to protect horses and people using horse-drawn carriages.

He recalled a time when licenses, driver vetting, insurance, carriage inspections, and horse vet checks were mandatory.

He expressed frustration that despite raising concerns with the Minister for Transport five years ago, no action has been taken.

Mulreany mentioned recent issues such as underweight horses, oversized carriages, and overloading.

A spokesperson for Diageo reiterated concerns about horse and carriages operating near the Guinness Storehouse, one of the country's biggest tourist attractions.

Diageo is not affiliated with any horse and carriage operators and supports greater regulation to ensure the safety of visitors and the wider public.

The Department of Transport aims to resolve this issue and update regulations to reflect modern best practices.

Work is ongoing to provide the council with the appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Horse Drawn Carriages Bill was listed on the Government's Legislative Programme for Summer 2024.