01/10/2026
👏 A very important issue being raised in the Dáil today.
We would like to commend Deputy Ryan O’Meara for bringing the issue of commercial rates on equestrian centres to the Dáil, and particularly acknowledge the North Tipperary equestrian businesses who raised these concerns with him in the first place.
It is great to see businesses within our industry speaking up on an issue that has the potential to affect riding schools and equestrian centres right across the country.
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.
As an equestrian centre ourselves, we very much welcome this issue being highlighted at national level.
Hopefully this will lead to a wider discussion about how equestrian centres are treated for rating purposes and recognition of the important role they play in rural communities and Ireland’s equine industry.
