RIDERS in Co Dublin, who have been blocked from accessing their local forests, say leisure riders will not continue in the industry, if they are not permitted to exercise in their local wooded areas.

Access to Coillte’s forests for riders is granted on a case-by-case basis through a licensing and permit system, which is getting harder to navigate, according to Pauline Cullen, who runs a small livery operation at St Jude’s Farm in Rathmichael, Co Dublin.

Cullen’s back gate is 75 metres from Carrickgollogan Woods in Dublin 18, but last week, substantial barriers and gates were put up at the traditional access points to the forests, preventing local riders from accessing them.

“Leisure riders comprise the backbone of our internationally renowned industry. Without this community, the horse industry would wither away,” Ms Cullen said. “Every other country in the world allows access to forests on an equal footing with other users. There may be caveats, such as specified hours or particular trails, along with a requirement for insurance and waivers – but nowhere else exercises a blanket ban.”

Shoved out

Ms Cullen said signs went up in the forest a few months ago, saying you must have a permit to ride. “The Coillte website is a quagmire to apply for the permit and I did apply back in February, I have a screenshot of it, but I never heard anything back. They [the foresters] are saying you can’t have areas of conflicts between users, but I rarely meet anyone when I’m riding up there.

“The principle is, we are a minority who are lacking an effective lobbying body and we are being shoved out. The result will be leisure riders will not ride. The happy hackers and riding club people keep the industry going,” she added.

In a response to a letter sent by Ms Cullen to Coillte and seen by The Irish Field,Eamonn Kenny, Director of Forest Operations, said Coillte has an open forest policy and welcomes walkers to its forests according to the Principles of Leave No Trace Ireland. “Access to Coillte’s forests for all other activities, including horse riding, is granted through a licensing and permit system. Licences for equestrian activities, such as equestrian clubs, riding schools and individual riders, are granted on a case-by-case basis by Coillte. Permits are granted where the forest property is deemed to be suitable and where conflict with other recreational users, or forestry operations is unlikely to arise,” Mr Kenny said.

He added that Coillte recognised that demand for equestrian access was increasing and they will continue discussions with the national governing body (Horse Sport Ireland) around improving access.

Importance

In a response to a query from The Irish Field about ongoing discussion with Coillte, a HSI spokesperson said they were committed to developing a workable solution, so that leisure riders can continue to use forests for riding.

“Horse Sport Ireland understands the importance of forest access for the equestrian community, as shown in our 2020 survey, where 77% of respondents emphasised that riding in the forest is essential. We have been in ongoing discussions with Coillte and other stakeholders to explore safe and sustainable access for horses.

“There is a permit system in place for equestrian activity, and Coillte has been happy to engage with us on this matter. This system also applies to other recreational users. Walkers have the most access, but it is not unlimited, while cycling is restricted to designated areas or agreed permits. Specific trails are being developed to manage the varying types of recreational use.

“In addition, HSI was recently appointed to Comhairle na Tuaithe and is working with stakeholders on a range of issues, including access, insurance, and trail development. We also collaborated with Sport Ireland on the Sport Ireland Recreational Horse Trails Criteria.

“While the pilot programme across the four provinces remains a priority, the biggest impediment continues to be securing the necessary insurance to support a national agreement. Despite this, we are committed to developing a workable solution that benefits both riders and other forest users.”

Comhairle na Tuaithe is made up of representatives from farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside, and state bodies with a responsibility or interest in the countryside.