Council's draft horse fair bylaws criticised

COUNCILLORS IN Dublin voted last night to put draft bylaws to control the Smithfield horse fair out to public consultation despite concerns about their “draconian” nature.

The draft bylaws include requirements that horse owners who attend the fair have public liability insurance worth €6.5 million and that they have a casual trading licence and attend only to buy and sell horses.

The number of horse fairs would also be reduced from every Sunday to twice a year.

The bylaws were produced by the council after concerns about public order offences and animal safety issues at the fair in the last few years.

Councillors described the bylaws as “draconian”, “dictatorial” and “way over the top”.

Councillor Mannix Flynn said the document was shocking. He asked if he would need a casual trading licence to bring a bag of grapes to Moore Street.

“That’s how ridiculous some of this is,” he said. He called for the draft bylaws to be redrafted before being released to the public.

Councillor Pat Dunne (People Before Profit Alliance) said the matter had become a class issue and “even Shergar” would not have needed €6.5 million in insurance.

Assistant city manager Philip Maguire said there had been “significant consultation” with local residents and businesses in Smithfield as well as horse owners before the bylaws were drafted.

Councillors voted for an extended two-month consultation period before the draft bylaws are returned to council for final amendments and consideration.

In other business, councillors agreed to give approval to improvement works to Grafton Street. The street has not been re-paved since it was first pedestrianised 30 years ago.

City manager John Tierney said the works would go to public tender and would likely cost between €2.5 million and €4 million depending on whether the main thoroughfare only or the thoroughfare and side streets are improved.

Councillors also agreed to renew the Dublin City Centre Business Improvement Districts Scheme for a further five years.

The scheme involves an additional payment by businesses to fund improvements in their areas. After some debate, councillors voted 28 for to four against with eight abstentions to go ahead with the scheme.