COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, January 28, 2019

QUESTION NO. 7

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

"To ask the Chief Executive to report on his continued efforts to deal with the menace of Scramblers/Quads which are of great concern to communities throughout the Tallaght Area Committee area and will he note that there have been particular problems in recent weeks in Kingswood Heights, Tymon Park, Dodder Valley Park area of Old Bawn, 30 acres at Greenhills Road and Butler McGee Park; will he appreciate the demand of local residents that effective action be taken and will he make a statement?"

REPLY:

"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 is being 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 January 2019.

In addition, the Council is monitoring open space areas to establish if access to open spaces can be restricted to reduce this problem."