Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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254. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce legislation on the regulation of the sale of quad bikes and their use in public parks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48620/14]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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270. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the legislation on the regulation of the use and sale of quad bikes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48621/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 270 together.

It is not clear from the Deputy's questions as to what aspect of use and sale of quad bikes he is referring. The Road Traffic Acts set out the legislation which must be complied with by users of mechanically propelled vehicles in a public place.

For the purposes of road traffic legislation a “public place” means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.

Public parks come under the management and control of the relevant local authority or the Office of Public Works and are covered by separate statutory provisions.  If the parks are places where the public do not have access to with vehicles, it is a matter for the management body concerned to provide for, and enforce, relevant governing legislation or bye-laws (including the use of quad bikes) to ensure that all persons comply with the permitted use of the park.

There is no legislation under the Road Traffic Acts preventing the sale of quad bikes for exclusive off-road use.