Wide support for community initiative to address the misuse of scramblers & quad bikes

Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the planned implementation of a community based initiative to address the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.
 
The community based initiative will work in tandem with and complement the planned enhanced legislative provisions to provide a more coherent and rounded response to the issues connected with the anti-social use of scramblers and other vehicles.
 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Back in February I strongly supported new legislative measures to give An Garda Síochána additional powers to help tackle the anti-social use of scrambler bikes, quad bikes, and similar off-road machines in spaces such as public parks. The anti-social use of scramblers and quad bikes is something we have unfortunately seen in North County Dublin, particularly in Swords, and I know it is something which Councillor Brigid Manton and Councillor Darragh Butler have campaigned on over recent years.
 
“We all agree we need legislation to help the communities in Fingal who have been tormented by loud, intimidating scramblers and quad bikes on public roads and parks. As well as being incredibly dangerous it is destroying the quality of life in many estates. This community based initiative will take an alternative but equally important approach by engaging with young people with an interest in motorcycles – training them in vehicle maintenance, safe use of vehicles, and opportunities for motocross, as well as relevant personal development or educational activities. A programme such as this will be invaluable in communities where it’s badly needed,” he said.
 
Councillor Brigid Manton added, “Residents should not have to worry about their streets and parks being turned into no-go areas by dangerous driving on scramblers. We need strong deterrents but we do also need to engage proactively with our young people who are using these vehicles. A key aspect of this community initiative will be the fact that admission will require a commitment by the young person to complete all aspects of the programme and to abstain from illegal or anti-social use of these vehicles. I think this a positive and progressive step which will be welcomed by the people of Swords,” she concluded.