Written answers

Monday, 11 September 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Road Safety

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

636. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress he has made with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Garda Commissioner and the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners in establishing a multi-agency approach in order to ascertain if there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist in dealing with the use of scrambler and quad bikes more comprehensively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38173/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that, under the Road Traffic Acts, any member of An Garda Síochána is empowered to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place and demand production of a driver licence or learner permit. In addition, Gardaí may inspect the vehicle for compliance with vehicle standards legislation, which makes it an offence to drive without reasonable consideration, drive carelessly, or drive dangerously. The Garda authorities also have powers of seizure, detention, storage and disposal of vehicles under road traffic legislation. I am further informed that the use of quad bikes and scramblers in public parks and open spaces is strictly prohibited by the local authorities under the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2011.

Despite the road traffic and other relevant legislation available in this area, the Garda authorities have indicated that there are issues of safety involved in enforcement of these laws which are best addressed through a multi-agency approach. I am informed that Gardaí are working with local authorities, including park authorities, to examine other solutions, such as engineering solutions. Enhanced fencing and bike gates are examples of engineering measures taken to restrict access to parks.

I share the concern in relation to the very serious public safety and anti-social issues associated with the misuse of such vehicles and to better facilitate this multi-agency approach, I have written to the relevant parties, including the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, as well as the Garda Commissioner and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, in order to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist us in dealing with this issue more comprehensively. A number of responses have been received and are being examined at present. As a next step, when all responses have been received, I intend to convene a meeting of all of the interested parties and in order to identify more effective possible solutions and assign responsibility and timeframes for them.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.