Legislative Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (1588)

John Curran

Question:

1588. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress he has made with the Minister for Justice and Equality, 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. [38174/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am not aware of a multi-agency approach to tackle the use of scrambler and quad bikes. However, I must point out that there is already comprehensive legislation in place governing the use of scrambler bikes, quad bikes and similar small vehicles in a public place, with enforcement being entirely a matter for an Garda Síochána. The use of such vehicles in other areas, such as parks and on private land, is beyond the remit of my Department.

However, it should be noted that an Garda Síochána does not have any legislative power to deal with scrambler bikes being driven on private land. Local authorities have the power to introduce by-laws to prohibit the use of vehicles in areas under their control, eg parks. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs has similar powers to control off-road vehicles in certain areas, eg the unauthorised use of off-road vehicles is prohibited in certain national parks.