COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE

Friday, September 11, 2009

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor J. Hannon

That action be taken to prevent the use of quad bikes and other motorised vehicles in public and other lands in South Dublin, and with particular reference to the following locations:

REPLY:

The use of motor bikes, quad bikes and other motorized vehicles in public parks and open spaces is prohibited under the Park Bye-Laws. Unauthorised use of such vehicles is a cause of serious concern to the County Council in light of the safety issues involved and the resulting damage to the parks and open spaces. While unauthorised use can take place at any time, it is evident that such activity takes place principally in the evenings after our staff have finished work for the day and at weekends.

This matter has been raised for discussion with An Garda Siochána on a regular basis and the Gardaí have responded with targeted campaigns in certain areas. In 2007, the Gardaí in Tallaght impounded over thirty motor bikes and scooters from individuals who were using them in public parks and open spaces in the area. It must be appreciated that in many of these areas, particularly on the fringes of housing areas and in the larger parks, it is extremely difficult to apprehend offenders.

At the same time, the Parks Department has been taking steps to secure the parks as far as practically possible against this activity. However, it is very difficult to fully exclude this activity without also making access to parks very difficult for other user groups such as persons with disabilities. Smaller motorcycles are often lifted over barriers by several individuals in order to gain access to the park or open space.

It is intended to meet with the Gardaí again to discuss specific measures and actions that can be taken to deal with this issue, in particular in relation to the problems experienced at Dodder Valley and Kiltalown Parks. In the case of Dodder Valley Park, while the park has generally been secured, access to the park is being gained via adjacent, less secure, private lands. It is intended to raise this issue with the landowners concerned’