Fears for the future of Ballinasloe Horse Fair have been expressed in view of new bye-laws that are being introduced in other parts of the country for similar fairs and markets.
The strict new laws have sent alarm bells ringing for the organisers of horse fairs in which those selling horses may be obliged to apply for casual trading licences from the local authority like Galway County Council.
Ballinasloe’s Cllr Dermot Connolly said that if similar regulations applied to the traditional October Fair, it could signal the beginning of the end for what is a huge financial boost for the town.
The Sinn Fein councillor mentioned specifically new bye-laws that were being introduced for horse fairs and market trading in Cork, which are being strongly resisted by organisers of such events.
It seems that Cork County Council are currently proposing to introduce new bye-laws which would radically change some traditional horse fairs – and could spell the end of some.
It is proposed that every person selling a horse, pony or donkey must apply for a casual trading licence nearly one month before the date of the event.
In order to get the €10 licence, each person selling a horse or any other animal must supply a considerable amount of information including their name, address, PPS number, tax certificate and insurance details among a raft of other requirements.
Cllr Connolly said that if those attending the Ballinasloe Horse Fair are required to bring along a licence, then it will put many of them off from coming.
“We have the biggest horse fair in Europe and anything that would damage it would have huge consequences for the town. We are obliged to hold, nurture and support the fair that we have in Ballinasloe,” Cllr Connolly added.
For more on this story, see the print edition of the Connacht Tribune.
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