Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 169: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the equine devices intended for use on the Jarveys' horses in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, are health and safety compliant; if the Health and Safety Authority have satisfied themselves with the proposed use on the two wheel carriages in the national park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46542/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

During consideration of the dung catcher option, contact was made by an outside Health and Safety Advisor contracted to my Department with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The HSA advised that no specific guidance was available on dung catchers but suggested that a risk assessment by a competent person be carried out and that in addition, best practice from other jurisdictions be taken into account.

The subsequent practical trials and demonstrations undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department were overseen and risk assessed by competent persons, one of whom is a leading veterinary expert in Irish equine matters, and the other of whom is a UK-based expert with extensive knowledge of international practice in relation to dung catcher use and who facilitated the successful introduction of such devices in Blackpool in the UK. These trials which used two-wheeled carriages, demonstrated the successful and safe use of the devices. The trials were also attended by an independent locally-based veterinary officer and a representative of the Kerry Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I am satisfied that the devices are suitable from a health and safety perspective and indeed, if used by the jarveys, would contribute to an improvement in the health and safety aspect of Killarney National Park for all visitors.