TIPPERARY Fianna Fáil TD Ryan O’Meara has called on the Government to examine the rates classification for riding centres. Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, O’Meara said: “If we want our children to be more active and spend less time on screens, why are we putting commercial rates barriers in the way of them accessing these very facilities?”

As covered in a special report in The Irish Field last August, equestrian centres across the country continue to pay commercial council rates. This, combined with towering insurance premiums, has attributed to the loss of over 50 riding centres in the last decade.

O’Meara said: “I met with a number of equestrian centres in north Tipperary this week. They raised serious concerns with me about the commercial rates financial burden they are facing. Equestrian centres require large areas for stables, indoor and outdoor arenas, yards and car parks - but the size of those premises does not mean that all of those spaces gather commercial activity. The valuation of these premises can therefore create a significant rates burden. I have also been told of inconsistencies in how car parks and outdoor areas are treated.

“These centres provide sport and physical activity for children and young people, opportunities for people with disabilities and important facilities for rural communities, as well as access to the sector and sports for children of all backgrounds, who otherwise might not get a chance to do so.

“I ask the Government to examine the relevant legislation and consider whether genuine riding schools and equestrian centres should have a specific agricultural or equivalent rates classification.”

In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “I agree from a policy and public health perspective on the benefit of these centres at a time when we are trying to encourage our young people to be more active and have less screen time.” Minister Harris added that he would liaise with Minister James Browne, who has responsibility for the valuations legislation on the matter.

Among the riding centres to comment on the matter was Birr Equestrian Centre, who said: “Riding schools and equestrian centres provide far more than a commercial service. They give children and adults access to horses and riding, provide rural employment, support local businesses and suppliers, and are an important gateway into Ireland’s wider equestrian industry.

“The cost of operating a riding centre is already substantial. The application of commercial rates to facilities such as arenas, yards and car parks adds another significant cost - and these are not costs that can simply continue to be passed on to customers if we want riding to remain accessible.”