Concerns Raised Over 'Improper And Dangerous' Use Of Scramblers And Quads

Fianna Fáil has called for young people to be warned over the "improper and dangerous use" of scramblers and quad bikes.

Raising the issue in the Dáil, Dublin Mid-West TD John Curran, said: "The illegal and dangerous use of mechanically propelled vehicles is not a problem confined to any one area, it's widespread across Dublin and, I suspect, other parts of the country too.

"We often recognise the scourge that quads and scramblers are causing in parks and open public spaces but they are also causing chaos on roads ad in private housing estates.

"Elderly people are petrified to leave their homes when there are quads and scramblers on the roads. Parents are understandably afraid to let their children out to play or get fresh air when an accident can so easily happen. Over the summer, there were a number of very serious incidents including one especially tragic case in Darndale which left a Lithuanian man, Ilabek Avetia with life changing, appalling injuries.

"Education and parental guidance are central in putting a halt to this craze, especially before Christmas. We can only hope that there are no serious or fatal incidents during this period. Young people need to be fully aware of the destruction of these vehicles – they're not invincible or playing a video game. This is real life.

"There can be no denying that the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes is causing real damage to people, their families and their communities. The establishment of an interdepartmental, cross-agency taskforce can only achieve so much but the real change needed can only come through legislative action," concluded Deputy Curran.