Councillor for Lucan-Palmerstown-North Clondalkin Derren Ó Brádaigh, has urged the government to stand up for community safety and take action against the scourge of scramblers and quad bikes.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh was speaking ahead of Sinn Féin legislation to be discussed in the Dáil. The legislation would take a stand for community safety and protect communities by giving Gardaí powers to seize scramblers and quad bikes when they are used unlawfully.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said:
“For far too long the illegal and reckless use of scramblers have plagued our communities, often tearing up playing pitches and putting lives at risk, both in our parks and open space and on road too. I am adding my voice to that of my party colleagues, many of whom have been raising this intolerable situation for far too long without any real government response. Sinn Féin will have legislation debated in the Dáil today and I would urge all TD’s to support this and stand up for community safety.
“This has become a very serious issue in some parts of my own constituency. People are intimidated and left in fear of visiting certain parks and open space areas within some residential settings by the rogue use of scrambler bikes in public areas which should be shared spaces for everyone to enjoy and pass through.
“Sinn Féin have consulted at length with communities about this issue and they feel let down by the fact that this government has failed to act. They feel their pleas for support are being ignored.
“Sinn Féin’s legislation would take important steps to protect communities and keep them safe. It would extend powers to the Gardaí to seize and detain quad bikes and scramblers used unlawfully in a public place, including in public parks and green spaces.
“Therefore, I am calling on all TD’s in all parties and independents to back Sinn Féin’s legislation and join us in taking a stand for community safety and reclaim our parks for the purpose that they are provided for.”
