Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
26. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice what resources are available to the roads policing unit at present to deal specifically with the illegal use of scrambler-type motorcycles in public places. [12274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, including the misuse of scramblers. 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 this 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.
An Garda Síochána continues to educate all road users in their attitudes and behaviour and when necessary, detecting and intercepting dangerous drivers and those who refuse to comply with road traffic laws.
Additionally, 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. €190,000 was allocated to assist approved projects in 2022 and 2023. Almost €149,000 has been allocated for 2024.
Furthermore, 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 via three measures:
1. Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
2. Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána are granted new powers of seizure;
3. Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
Under the new powers, there was an operation targeting organised criminal activity and illegal use of scrambler bikes/off road vehicles in Limerick City on 24 and 25 October 2023. Because of these new laws and powers given to members of An Garda Síochána, the operation in Limerick was hugely successful with the Gardaí having used their new legislative powers to seize dozens of scrambler bikes in Limerick City. The operation involved searches of 21 premises at locations across the city, resulting in the seizure of 44 scrambler bikes and off-road vehicles.
Nationwide, 44 quad bikes and 133 scramblers have been seized by An Garda Síochána from 1 January 2023 to 5 February 2024.
It is hoped that this combined approach of increased Garda powers to tackle the misuse of scramblers, together with the creation of alternative options for those who wish to use such vehicles safely and legally, will have a significant impact in tackling the problem.
