Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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354. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update in relation the enhanced powers given to An Garda Síochána to limit the anti-social use of scramblers and quadbikes; the number of scramblers, quadbikes and e-scooters that have been seized in Dublin metropolitan regions south and south central, broken down by station, or district, if station-level data is not available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39785/24]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, including the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes. That is why legislation was enacted by the Minister for Transport to increase Garda powers to seize scramblers.

An Garda Síochána responds to all reports of anti-social behaviour and conducts operations on an ongoing basis to target the anti-social activities of people using scramblers, mopeds and quads in public parks and green areas.

An Garda Síochána has, through various media and social media platforms, highlighted the inherent dangers associated with the use of these vehicles. In order to combat dangerous behaviour, intelligence is gathered at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate. Garda operations targeting the illegal use of scramblers, mopeds and quad bikes involve all members who are assigned to operational duties.

The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour established a subgroup in 2021 to examine measures which can be taken when vehicles such as scramblers and quad bikes are misused in communities.

The work of the sub-group laid the foundation for a new initiative to support local projects to encourage young people in the safe and legal use of motorbikes. This scheme is based on the model developed by the Moyross Youth Diversion Project (YDP) and is a means of intervention and diversion of young people from this type of anti-social activity, rather than enforcement. This includes providing instruction in vehicle care, maintenance and responsible use.

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law in June 2023. Among its provisions, the Act aims to tackle the antisocial use of scramblers and quadbikes through measures such as granting An Garda Siochana new powers of seizure.

Garda Authorities have provided the below breakdown of the number of incidents in which a scrambler, quadbike or e-scooter was seized by Gardaí in DMR South and DMR South Central since 1 November 2023, the date when the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 came into effect:

• 26 incidents involved the seizure of e-scooters.
• 14 incidents involved the seizure of scramblers/quadbikes.