Ministers yet to meet on ‘quad bikes’ problem
TRANSPORT Minister Shane Ross has yet to meet Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to discuss legislation surrounding quad bikes, despite a commitment to do so ten months ago.
Fianna Fáil TD John Curran says successive Transport Ministers have chosen to ignore an “escalating problem with the improper ownership and use of scrambler and quad bikes.”
“In my own area of Dublin Mid-West it has become a serious problem that is now reaching a crisis point for some residents,” said Deputy Curran.
Earlier this year, Deputy Curran received a commitment through parliamentary question that Minister Ross would hold a meeting with Minister Flanagan to discuss the need for legislation to deal with the dangerous use of scrambler bikes.
“This meeting has yet to take place despite a renewed promise as recent as July,” said Deputy Curran.
“There are bye-laws in place regarding how scramblers and quads can be used, but these can be difficult to enforce. It is crucial that we see greater enforcement and compliance with these laws to ensure young people and their parents are encouraged to heed the dangers of improper use.
“As the number of accidents and incidents of anti-social behaviour rise, a co-ordinated approach needs to be adopted by gardaí, the local authority and the wider community.”
