Proposals for scrambler track at Cherry Orchard

Proposals for scrambler track at Cherry Orchard

By Maurice Garvey

YOUNG people in Ballyfermot have spearheaded a drive which could see the installation of a dedicated scrambler and horse track in Cherry Orchard.

If successful, the track would be the first of its kind, and would go some way towards appealing to both young and older members of the community.

The Base Ballyfermot quad bike 2 

The tragic death of Cherry Orchard teenager Warren Kenny (16) on Christmas morning, highlighted the danger of scrambler/Quad bikes – leading to calls for solutions to tackle the issue.

Youths from the Familibase centre in Ballyfermot, have put forward a proposal for a scrambler/quad and horse park in Cherry Orchard, at a Dublin South Central meeting in Dublin City Council on Wednesday.

Nothing has been agreed yet on a site or otherwise, until members of the community have been consulted, according to Fiona Kearney, Familibase Services and Programme Coordinator.

Ms Kearney said: “Issues in the community were identified through the Cherry Orchard restorative practice forum over the last two years – some were young people specific, including horses and scramblers.

“But no young people were going to the forum. We were approached by the forum, as we do a lot of outreach support with youths.”

She continued: “We were concerned with how young people would be received. Up to 30 youths worked with the forum over the last four months. They recognised the damage to community property and the noise, but came up with solutions, inviting Clondalkin Equine and East Wall Motorcross for talks, and identifying land.

“Nothing has been approved. Youths are delivering a couple of presentations to stakeholders, and the plan is to then have a community consultation.”

Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan invited youths from Familibase into the council to make a presentation this week, and praised their hard work.

Cllr Doolan said: “We all know there is a challenge to manage the scramblers and horses in Ballyfermot. Getting angry and frustrated is not the solution. There is a real opportunity here to provide a solution. We already had a very successful presentation from the young people involved in scramblers and horses.

“I have to congratulate the young people who have worked so hard to present their case for land in Cherry Orchard to be developed for a scrambler and horse park. It will allow our young people to enjoy bikes and horses in a safe and secure environment. I believe it can work and will be doing all I can to ensure this is a success story.”

The next step is a presentation and discussion at next week’s Community Policing Forum, followed by a presentation to Dublin City Council’s Area Committee, and then a community consultation.

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