Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013
427. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 23 April 2013, if he will further elaborate on the legal position in respect of the wide-spread use of quad bikes by young persons specifically in public parks; and the enforcement powers available to local authorities to curb the use of such vehicles in such public open spaces. [21268/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my reply given on 23 April 2013 'public place' for the purposes of road traffic legislation 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 either the Office of Public Works or the local authority in the area concerned 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), as the case may be, to ensure that all persons comply with the permitted use of the park.
