COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 14, 2019

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

That this South Dublin County Council calls on Charlie Flanagan TD Minister for Justice & Equality to confirm to the Council his plans, including new legislation,  to tackle the menace of Scramblers, asking the Minister to appreciate that this is now a serious issue of concern to many communities.

REPORT:

On-going problems associated with scramblers and quads in some parts of the county is causing distress to residents, sporting clubs and the Council as their quality of life being is impacted negatively through extreme damage to community open spaces and playing facilities. 

The council is actively working with An Garda Síochána, community representatives and residents of various housing estates in relation to this issue as well as with other relevant agencies towards a resolution of the misuse of scramblers/quads which is being experienced across the Dublin region.

A High Level Task Force has been established with representation from the Dublin local authorities, the Gardai, Dept of Justice & Equality and Motorcross.   At the most recent meeting which was held on 14th November 2018 it was noted that a report had been prepared by the Attorney General for the Department of Justice & Equality in relation to legislation.  This report noted that the Attorney General considered that existing Road Traffic legislation could potentially be amended to extend the powers of the Gardai to deal with the relevant scrambler / quad issues, and given that the existing legislation is relative to the Department of Transport Tourism & Sport, any proposed changes to such existing legislation would have to be agreed with that department.   

It is understood that consultation between the various stakeholders is now required and it is understood that this consultation is scheduled to take place in early January 2019.

Most recently South Dublin County Council engaged with Road Safety Officers, the RSA and Motor Cross Industry for a Christmas campaign aimed at parents to persuade them against buying scramblers as Christmas presents. 

If this Motion is passed, a letter will issue to the relevant Minister and when a reply is received, it will be issued to the Members.