The failure by Galway Races management to respond to a request from the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to facilitate a free, insured transport service for people with mobility problems has been criticised.
Ned Deering, a Carlow farmer who invented a vehicle to carry people with mobility problems at venues such as the National Ploughing Championships, has accused Galway Races management of providing insufficient care for people with disabilities.
The Minister, John O'Donoghue, recently wrote to the chief executive of Horseracing Ireland and to the manager of Galway Races advising that every effort should be made to facilitate Mr Deering in providing this service.
The vehicle consists of a quad bike pulling a four-seated vehicle around the showgrounds or to and from car parks.
However, the manager of Galway Races, John Maloney, said they had sufficient services and resources already. These included a car park within 25 metres of the entrance and two viewing areas along the racecourse. "We have no need for this service. We've had a number of requests over the years from people and we have always looked after them."