Slow down for horses and riders around Curragh - motorists told

Kildare Co Council has been asked to encourage drivers to reduce their speed around horses and riders on the Curragh Plains. Trainers located close to Newbridge, Kildare Town and Kilcullen regularly use the Curragh plains and Curragh Racecourse gallops for exercising horses and often have to cross main roads. Councillor Morgan McCabe has called for an information campaign to encourage motorists to slow down when they encounter horses being ridden out. Cllr McCabe asked: "that the council in conjunction with the Curragh Forum, organise an information campaign, signage or road management measures to educate and encourage people to slow down around horses and their riders." He added: "There is an ongoing issue with motorists driving without due caution and awareness of danger to riders and horses out training."   The Road Safety Authority's official advice on this issue on its website says: "Horses and riders have every right to be on our roads. "However, they must follow the Rules of the Road. "It is vital that every rider has a clear understanding of the Rules of the Road before taking a horse onto a public road. "If you are riding or leading a horse, you must stay on the left-hand side of the road and obey all Rules of the Road." The advice adds: "If you are in charge of a horse on a roadway, you must make sure the horse does not block other traffic or pedestrians. "It is best not to bring a horse on the road at night. If you do, you should carry a lamp showing a white light to the front and a red light to the back. "You should also wear reflective clothing and put suitable reflective equipment on the horse. "If the weather is bad, you should not ride on the road unless it is absolutely necessary. Motorists will already be experiencing difficult driving conditions and meeting an anxious horse may present a dangerous situation."