Nobody has managed to put brakes on scramblers
By Mary Dennehy
THE destruction and intimidation of communities by young people on quads and scramblers comes back to parents, a local councillor has this week said.
Once again, The Echo is reporting on the damage caused to green spaces and sports pitches by scramblers and quads, an issue that not only has reporters going round in circles but also elected representatives, South Dublin County Council, sports clubs and local residents.
Most weeks, communities are faced with a serious case of déjà vu, as the issue of scramblers and quads continues to be raised in council chambers, at public meetings and in the pages of The Echo.
However, despite all of the noise, nothing has managed to put the brakes on this type of anti-social behaviour.
Speaking with The Echo, Tallaght Central councillor Mick Duff (Labour) said: “This comes back to families.
“Parents know that their kids are going out on a scrambler and that the scramblers may not be taxed or insured and that kids are not wearing the proper safety gear.
“We have a huge issue down here in Tymon… the bikes are ripping up everywhere and the noise is unbelievable right up until after 10pm at night.
“Some of these youngsters are also carrying younger passengers on the back and I would ask parents where their sense of responsibility is?
“They are ignoring their own child’s safety and the safety of others, and sadly there will be a fatality.”
He added: “The use of scramblers and quads in public spaces is the number one aggravating issue across many communities and parents have a huge role to play in this.
“However, it is time for people to speak up too. We all have a responsibility to make our communities safer…these bikes must be going into houses.”
Cllr Duff also stressed that the money used to repair damaged green spaces and pitches always comes from community services, which halters the improvement and development of community facilities in estates.
“This issue is common across South Dublin County and we need parents to take responsibility, the community to speak up and a change to the law”, Cllr Duff said.
“We also need a countywide taskforce to try and come up with solutions to tackling the issue.”
Most recently, Marks Celtic has been forced off their pitches in Fettercairn due to damage caused by scramblers and quads on their home ground – a situation that places the training of more than 180 juvenile players in jeopardy.
The Tallaght football club, which has 14 teams across all ages, including 180 junior members ranging from six years to 17, has been experiencing issues with its grounds for a number of years.
However, things have escalated since Christmas, with the grounds being ripped up by quads, scramblers and cars that are making their way onto the pitches.
When contacted by The Echo, Mary Maguire of the council’s environment department, said: “This issue has been commented on regularly and the council has, as previously advised, initiated attempts to combat the problem such as running 1.2 metre high fencing along the side of the green space areas, provision of bollards etc.
“However, these have not stemmed the actions of a minority who continue to engage in anti-social and menacing behaviour.”
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