Renewed call for action to be taken in relation to scramblers

By Brendan Grehan

Local councillor Charlie O’Connor has renewed calls for action to be taken in respect of the problem of scramblers in public places.

He said that it is an issue which is of serious concern to many in our communities and that he regularly receives calls in the matter from residents and associations throughout Tallaght.

He added that the issue is regularly raised by Councillors at Council meetings and it is clear that action is required.

The matter was raised by the Fianna Fáil Group on South Dublin County Council at the January meeting of the Council and the following motion, in the name of the Party, was agreed:

“That this council, noting the increased illegal, reckless and unsafe use of scramblers, quad bikes and other similar mechanically propelled vehicles in our parks across our county and noting the difficulty encountered by an Garda Síochána in bringing successful prosecutions under existing By-Laws, now calls on the Government to introduce primary legislation to regulate the ownership and use of all those vehicles”

The matter was again raised at the April meeting of the Council and the following response was tabled from Frances Fitzgerald TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality:

“Such a legislative review would involve a review of road traffic legislation, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross, TD. As such, your correspondence has been forwarded to the relevant Department for direct reply”.

Cllr O’Connor say that it is now vital that action would be taken in respect of this matter and he has assured residents that he will continue to pursue the matter with Government.