Press Release 22nd February 2010
Curran welcomes Crack Down to Ban Scrambler Bikes at Grand Canal Park
A meeting took place recently between senior Council officials and senior Gardaí in relation to the general issue of unauthorised use of motorbikes and quads in public parks in the County, according to Minister of State and local Fianna Fáil T.D. John Curran.
Welcoming the efforts of the Gardaí and South Dublin County Council, Minister Curran said: “Many local residents have contacted my office in relation to the usage of scrambler bikes on the open space Grand Canal Park and I have been following up on this issue with the Council for some time now.
“Under section 41 of the Roads Traffic Act, 1994, the Gardaí are empowered to seize motorbikes and quads from persons using them in an unauthorised manner in public parks and open spaces. In this regard, the Gardaí seized four motorbikes in the Kilmahuddrick area in January. The Gardaí are also empowered to destroy seized vehicles under the same Section.
“The issue appears to be limited to a small number of people and the Gardaí are in the process of developing a scrambler unit as part of the range of measures available to deal with the matter. The Gardaí have advised that detaining and seizing motorbikes in parkland areas is a hazardous activity which requires considerable planning and resources.
“The Council and the Gardaí are also reviewing other measures that might be taken to deal with this issue. In this regard, the local community also have a role to play in combating this menace by supplying any information; they may have, in relation to persons and vehicles involved, to the Gardaí and/or the Council.
I will continue to work closely with the Gardaí and the council in dealing with this motorbike issue at Grand Canal Park,” concluded Minister Curran.