500 signatures reached
To: Finna Fáil
Save equestrian centres & riding schools
Save equestrian centres & riding schools
Why is this important?
Commercial rates are placing many riding schools and equestrian centres under severe financial pressure. Some are considering ending riding lessons or closing completely.
Riding centres require large arenas, stables, storage areas and car parks for safety and animal welfare. Large premises do not mean large profits.
Car parks and other essential areas are being included in rateable valuations, increasing bills despite producing little or no direct income.
Local riding centres are the grassroots foundation of Ireland’s equestrian industry. Without them, riding becomes accessible mainly to families who can afford their own horses.
These centres provide healthy outdoor activity for children, particularly girls, while also supporting children with additional needs and disadvantaged young people.
Equestrian properties reportedly contribute only about €1.7 million annually, representing less than 0.1% of national commercial-rates income. Removing or substantially reducing these charges would have minimal national impact but could protect an entire network of grassroots facilities.
The campaign is calling for fair national legislation that recognises the unique nature and limited earning capacity of equestrian centres.
Other TDs, councillors, MEPs and equestrian organisations should now support Ryan O’Meara and help bring the issue before Government.
“If we allow local riding centres to disappear, we will lose the grassroots foundation of Irish equestrian sport. Please share this and ask your local representatives to support fair rates relief for equestrian centres.”
Riding centres require large arenas, stables, storage areas and car parks for safety and animal welfare. Large premises do not mean large profits.
Car parks and other essential areas are being included in rateable valuations, increasing bills despite producing little or no direct income.
Local riding centres are the grassroots foundation of Ireland’s equestrian industry. Without them, riding becomes accessible mainly to families who can afford their own horses.
These centres provide healthy outdoor activity for children, particularly girls, while also supporting children with additional needs and disadvantaged young people.
Equestrian properties reportedly contribute only about €1.7 million annually, representing less than 0.1% of national commercial-rates income. Removing or substantially reducing these charges would have minimal national impact but could protect an entire network of grassroots facilities.
The campaign is calling for fair national legislation that recognises the unique nature and limited earning capacity of equestrian centres.
Other TDs, councillors, MEPs and equestrian organisations should now support Ryan O’Meara and help bring the issue before Government.
“If we allow local riding centres to disappear, we will lose the grassroots foundation of Irish equestrian sport. Please share this and ask your local representatives to support fair rates relief for equestrian centres.”