COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
QUESTION NO. 12
QUESTION: Councillor D. Ó Brádaigh
To ask the Manager to outline what supports South Dublin County Council have offered to date, to assist the staff and volunteers of the Clondalkin Equine Club, in helping to keep the facility in operation, since difficulties were first highlighted and that threatened to bring about the possible closure of the club?
REPLY:
The Ballyowen Equine Centre was developed by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Clondalkin Equine Club in order to address the keeping of horses in an unregulated and uncontrolled manner resulting in serious animal welfare and public safety issues which were a cause of concern for both the Council, Gardaí, central government, and the communities of these areas. The facility, which opened in January 2017 gives young horse owners the opportunity to take responsibility and care for their animals in a safe environment. A licence agreement is in place since 2017 with SDCC and Clondalkin Equine Club and SDCC continues to manage the licence agreement and support the facility.
The support that has been provided by the Council to date includes the following:
- Secured capital funding from the Department for the construction of the premises
- Secured funding for the initial engagement of a part time manager
- Secured funding for the employment of a fulltime Development Manager
- Supported the club throughout the Covid pandemic
- Regular visits from the Council Veterinary Inspectors providing advice when required
- A senior staff member on the Board of the Clondalkin Equine Club since November 2022
- Senior staff member engaged with the Community Department on behalf of the club in relation to funding and successfully secured grant funding
At all times SDCC have endeavoured to support the club in every way possible and will continue to provide this support to the greatest extent possible.