The Department of Justice has confirmed in a Parliamentary Question submitted by Gino Kenny TD that almost €200 000 of funding nationally for youth projects to tackle issues with scramblers. A number of Youth Services applied for the funding including Ronanstown in the North Clondalkin area. The scheme is modelled on the Moyross project in Limerick where young people are taught how to use motocross bikes in a safe manner off public roads. The project was set up as a means of intervention and diversion from the misuse of scramblers in communities, as opposed to enforcement alone.
People Before Profit representatives in Dublin MidWest Gino Kenny TD and Cllr Madeleine Johansson have been working locally to support the establishment of a motocross track in the area.
Gino Kenny TD commented: “It’s welcome that the Dept of Justice are rolling out this initiative to engage owners of these off road vehicles. Hopefully this funding will help start a process where young people can continue to use motocross vehicles but in a safe manner that doesn’t harm our communities. People Before Profit continue to work with young people and community groups to promote safe use of scramblers.
Cllr Madeleine Johansson added: “I submitted a motion to the County Development to support the development of a motocross track in the area. South Dublin County Council officials have indicated that they would be interested in supporting a project in the area, so I hope that this funding can begin that process. In many other countries Motocross is a very popular sport that is practiced safely by people of all ages. We need to engage with young people and offer them the option to do this in their area.”
