Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I grew up around quad bikes and scramblers. Now they are faster and people buy them as Christmas presents but do not think of the consequences. Many people, however, use quad or scrambler bikes responsibly in a controlled environment, wearing the proper gear. I have great friends who are still doing it. We have a minority, however, who do not respect those around them when they are on their quad bikes.

The Minister can fix it. If people were playing hurling on the road, hurling pitches would be made available, the same for soccer. The Minister has to give those using quad bikes and scramblers the facilities in which they can be trained like in any other sport. If that is done, it can be regulated and people shown how to use them safely. If we want people to drive vehicles properly, we have to give them a facility where they can be taught. That comes back to the Minister.

Mondello Park is a facility for racing cars. However, a person living where I come from has to travel nearly two hours to get there to race his or her vehicle. The Minister must look at other sports and put facilities in place where children and adults can learn properly. If they need to drive their quads and bikes, they should be able to do so in a safe environment and be taught how to do it properly. Everyone is entitled to their sport. It is up to the Minister to provide the facilities in which they can do it. The Minister should not close this down because of a minority who are being disrespectful. Instead, it should be enhanced with systems put in place and facilities where people can drive these bikes responsibly.

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