COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 12, 2011
QUESTION NO. 2
QUESTION: Councillor C. Bond
That the Manager please provide an update on measures to clamp down on the use of scrambler bikes in fields and open spaces?
Paragraph 3 Traffic, Section 3.l of South Dublin County Council's Draft Bye-laws for Parks and Open Spaces 20ll provides as follows:
" Save with the permission of the Council, no person shall bring into a Park any Mechanically Propelled Vehicle which includes for the avoidance of doubt motorcycles, motor-cross / quad bikes or other powered vehicles. Such vehicles may be removed from the park / open space by An Garda Siochana."
The draft bye-laws were adopted by the Members at the July meeting of the Conuncil and are listed under Item H-1 (1) Confirmation Re-Affirmation of Minutes at today's meeting.
The Dublin Mountain Partnership (DMP) recognises scrambler bikes in the mountains represents a significant issue to be addressed. The DMP has identified the potential strategic management benefits of designating appropriate areas within, or in close proximity to the Dublin Mountains for a displacement site(s), such as the use of former quarry sites for off-road motorised recreation activities. A preliminary study of the issue has identified that there would appear to be issues in terms of identifying such suitable sites. Screening for Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive and Planning Approval would be required for a displacement site.