Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The introduction of this Bill aims to fill a gap in the current legislation governing the use of scramblers, quad bikes and similar vehicles. We recognise that the vast majority of those who operate all-terrain vehicles do so safely and legally. This Bill will have no effect on those who operate their vehicles within the law. It has to be recognised that people in some urban areas are operating vehicles like quad bikes and scramblers without the correct licence, insurance or registration. Teenagers and children are known to be operating these vehicles. This poses a huge risk to their safety and the safety of others. We hope the legislation we are proposing will remedy this type of behaviour, which has led to many injuries and some deaths in recent years.

As my colleague, Deputy Ellis, has said, local communities have raised this issue on countless occasions. It is clear that legislation is required to fill the gap. This Bill will extend the definition of "public space" in the Road Traffic Acts to include parks and greens. This, in turn, will allow gardaí to sanction those who operate these vehicles illegally in such spaces. The Bill is based on public safety. We are trying to make public shared spaces in housing estates and public parks safer. Those who drive these vehicles legally will not be affected by the Bill.

People do not expect to be allowed drive on green areas in residential estates, and we are bringing other vehicles in line with this.

It is also important to note that we are not criminalising people in this Bill. It will merely give gardaí the power to seize and detain these vehicles when they have been used illegally. We do not intend to alienate anyone in these communities. We are in favour of using these vehicles in appropriate safe places such as motorcross clubs and Viking clubs. We need liaison with local councils to identify lands suitable for the establishment of more of these clubs. Therefore, this Bill will allow for people to operate these vehicles in a safe manner. Local authorities should consider seeking out suitable venues for these clubs to allow the safe use of scramblers and other such vehicles.

This Bill will correct an anomaly in the law. It is a public safety issue in many communities across the State and it needs to be rectified.

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