Mr. Pat McCartan:

The Equestrian Competition Venues Owners Alliance, ECVOA, is the representative organisation of 18 of the busiest equestrian competition venues in Ireland. Formed in 2017 to address issues affecting the industry, it is the voice of the centres which host the vast majority of all equestrian activities held annually in the 32 counties. The equestrian venues which ECVOA represents are, in the main, family-owned businesses which have been developed and grown, at their own expense, by these families.

With proper investment, ECVOA believes that the sports horse industry can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully to the State. The concerns raised by members are that the sector and industry are being threatened, in part, by an unwillingness by the appointed body to interact in regard to the real day-to-day issues being faced by the sector. Similar to the RDS, from whom members have already heard, all ECVOA members, together with other venues, work with all sector and industry stakeholders and, as such, we believe all have a connected vision of the threats to and solutions for the industry. Venues work with most of the breeding societies and organisations to showcase the breeds through shows, inspections and events, and also provide to HSI the medium for stallion, mare and young stock inspections.

The sporting and leisure affiliate organisations also utilise the vast majority of venues. While it is fair to say that the venues derive an income from these activities, it is also important to recognise the significant and continuous investment required by venues to ensure a facility is retained at a suitable and safe standard. At our previous appearance before the committee, many members were well disposed to progressing a funding model similar to that within HRI, whereby venues supporting the sector could apply for funding where they were not eligible to apply for sports capital grants. This would be a significant move to assist in the improvement and development of facilities that would have an uplift effect on the entire sector. It would also assist in balancing the situation whereby a club with facilities can apply for sports capital grants which allow it to, in effect, gain a State-sponsored advantage over a private entity. The sports capital grants provided to these clubs are essential and should continue, but some balancing will alleviate the threat that venues may be lost or unable to meet the required standards due to investment pressures.

The situation relating to insurance and rates is also very serious. Whilst we accept that they are a necessary evil, we have been deprived of any real form official representation due to the fact that HSI, as the recognised body, has failed to progress the matter with the relevant Departments and councils despite repeated efforts.

Insurance was again highlighted this past weekend in circumstances where Coillte has moved to prevent access for horse riders. While we see again HSI being placed on various bodies, we see little in the way of successful outcome that will ensure the sustainability of the sector if those involved in the leisure and tourism aspect of the sector are prevented from developing it. This has a serious and cumulative effect on the production and breeding aspect of the entire sector. Like the other witnesses, we are of the view that change is needed urgently and that the direction of travel being adopted by HSI is not beneficial to the sport, the industry and the sector. We are accompanied today by members of the main sporting affiliates, both as officially invited organisations and those who with us as part of our delegations, namely Para Equestrian Ireland, PEI, and Dressage Ireland. We are anxious to discuss with the committee the needs of the sector and how it envisages being able to assist.

I ask that our fellow attendees from Showjumping Ireland continue with the opening statement.