Youths push forward with plans for dedicated horse stables
By Maurice Garvey
YOUTHS from Cherry Orchard have chosen to prioritise plans for dedicated horse stables in the area, rather than pursue a joint site for both horses and scramblers.
Familibase group Horse Power, predominately made up of 13 early school leavers (aged 17-29), have been working on the plans for three years in an effort to tackle the big issue of horse ownership in the area.
Over the last three years, they have engaged in a series of presentations and consultations with a wide number of agencies, forums, committees and met with numerous organisations and public bodies.
In 2016, the group delivered a detailed presentation to the community on proposals for a scrambler/horse track in Ballyfermot.
However, due to the scale of such a joint venture, the group decided to focus on an equine facility that can rent stables at an affordable rate, and promote responsible horse ownership in Cherry Orchard.
On Tuesday night, July 3, they met with officials from Dublin City Council – delivering a video presentation on their proposal.
Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan, who met with the group on Tuesday alongside DCC Chief Executive Brendan Kenny, said shifting the focus to horses made sense.
“Horses are more popular and they have more to learn from them,” he said.
Very positive meeting
“It was a very positive meeting, very uplifting, another part of their journey. Brendan Kenny said he wants to support them. In order for this to work, they need the right structures in place.
“The work now is for them to get training and set up a management committee.
“DCC can’t just give out a piece of land for initiatives. You need a safe secure management body, for things like insurance and governance.”
Fiona Kearney, Familibase Services and Programme Coordinator, said the group has shown remarkable resilience to keep the project afloat.
“They have stuck with the process, done everything that was asked of them, influencing other people in the area about horse ownership, which has led to a decrease of anti-social behavior in the area,” she said.
“They approached us in 2015, and with ourselves and the Partnership, we developed consultations. The scrambler model isn’t ruled out, but there was way too much work involved, and they thought they could make a bigger impact for the community with the horse model.”
A site on Cloverhill Road has been identified via a submission the group made to a local area plan, but Kearney says they are not fussy.
“Three acres would do. We are hoping for 20 stables like in Clondalkin. But this is not just for them, the idea is for it to be available for people 18 plus, who can’t afford stables.
“Potential is there to link in with the local equine centre for education. It is all about responsible horse ownership, how we care for horses and get them off the roads.”
The group also cited the effectiveness of Dunsink Horse Club – which has resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in impounding costs for Fingal County Council since it was established in 2013.
