The swimming of racehorses in the sea at the Weir village in Kilcolgan could soon be ended, as local residents are making representations to the County Council about the safety of the practice.
The swimming started in the past decade when racehorse owners brought their animals to bathe in the salt waters. Initially, the sight was one of great interest to locals and visitors.
However, the numbers using the facility have increased substantially, leading to several incidents in which animals have bolted and run through the village, with one horse running over a mile before ending up avoiding traffic on the busy N18.
Now a group of local residents calling themselves Keep Our Village Safe are asking Galway County Council to pass a by-law which would prevent horses breing brought to the Weir to swim in the sea. They say the matter has become urgent because of the recent incidents, in one of which a horse went out of control and ran through the village, scattering diners eating outside Morans of the Weir, forcing them to take cover inside.
A spokesman for the group said that they believe that the horse owners should be able to provide equine swimming facilities elsewhere as they are all operating commercial enterprises.
“An equine pool is safer for the horses and for the community and the many visitors to the Weir.“ In any case, three such incidents of bolting so close together demonstrates that it is ridiculous to suggest that this practice could in any way be made safe. There is also damage to the road and to delicate habitats.
“The Weir as we all know, is a particularly busy village with thousands of visitors each year visiting the area and using Morans of the Weir oyster bar and restaurant. This is a dangerous practice and must be prohibited,” he said, adding that he is hoping that Galway County Council treat the matter with urgency and take the situation seriously.
