Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015
617. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on amending the Road Traffic Act or introducing new legislation to allow gardaí apprehend those driving quads or scramblers illegally in public parks. [5563/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of mechanically propelled vehicles of any kind in a public place is subject to the relevant requirements of road traffic legislation which An Garda Síochána have responsibility for enforcing. I am satisfied that the current legislation in this regard is adequate.
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. While this would include car parks and the road leading to them in public parks, it does not include parts of a park where mechanically propelled vehicles are not allowed to operate.
The rules governing such places are generally contained in bye-laws made by the relevant local authority and I understand that the use of scrambler motorcycles and quad vehicles are not permitted in parks. However, responsibility for public parks, including enforcement of the applicable bye-laws, is a matter for the relevant local authority.
