Readers took to the The Standard’s Facebook page to voice their concerns. For John Drake the plan was a “gift to the racehorse industry, and one that should be withdrawn.” He said the Belfast Coastal Reserve was set up in the 1980s to conserve cultural sites, coastal wildlife and support recreational activities. “Commercial racehorse training was never in the mix and shouldn't be,” he said. 

David Holscher said it was about time the government stood up and stopped bowing to “tiny minority groups.” 

He said the government had made a wise decision that allowed everyone to work together and bring joy to all groups.

Marilyn Craig said the oceans and beaches belonged to everyone and everyone should be entitled to use them safely. 

Kirsa Van Scheepen said the plan would put off side a lot of recreational users.

She said there were multiple significant cultural sites throughout the Reserve which needed to be protected and respected.

“Whether clear paths are put in or not makes no difference, training horses through those sensitive areas is simply unacceptable and offensive,” she said.

Annemarie Irwin said she was concerned recreational horse riders wouldn’t get a fair deal.

She said all the restrictions put on recreational riders, including times, months, numbers and permits would be a nightmare.

Kris O’Grady said he had used the beach for 32 years to walk dogs and had never had a problem getting a car park or finding some space on the beach while horses were there.

Rae Currie agreed and said it had been easy to work around the horses there in order to walk his dog.

"It’s only two hours,” she said.

“(It’s) easy enough to walk the promenade or get there a little earlier or later. They only have a small window of opportunity, we have much more.”