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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Scrambler bike nuisance

Summary

Deputy Gould raised dangerous scrambler use in northside communities despite new laws introduced after Grace Lynch's death. The Tánaiste said he had met her parents, agreed there was a real issue, and would engage further with the Ministers and the Deputy.

There is a huge issue with scramblers in my constituency. Following the new laws that came in earlier this year in the aftermath of the tragic death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, communities were hoping that this would see a reduction in the use of scramblers. However, I have had to phone the Garda numerous times in the intervening period. On Monday night last, I had to phone the Garda three times because of scramblers being driven in a dangerous manner in communities right across the northside, including on St. Mary's Road, Sprigg's Road and Kilmore Road. In Fairfield, there is a beautiful park that Cork City Council put in, a walk-around for people, but the scramblers are using it like a track. I met with people there two weeks ago. They said that they tried to talk to the lads on the scramblers to tell them that it is dangerous but that all they are getting is abuse. We have a serious issue now. Local gardaí tell me they do not have the resources. I am asking the Tánaiste for two things. First, will the Government give the Garda the resources to tackle this and to stop it and to tackle these scramblers? Second, will it give local authorities funding to put in tracks or trails? Some people do not want to play sport. They want to be in the arts or they want to drive cars or bikes. They have to be given an outlet, and right now there is nowhere for them to go. What must happen immediately is that the use of scramblers must be stopped, because I fear there could be another tragedy.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy Gould for raising this issue. I met with Grace Lynch's parents last week and was really struck not only their advocacy but also - I do not wish to speak for them - by the very clear views they have on what more that can and should be done in this space.

I am very happy that we would engage with Deputy Gould on this as well. There is definitely an issue. I had a good conversation with the Minister for justice and the Minister for Transport on it this week. There is a legitimate issue around supporting the Garda, including potentially in relation to their driving training, resourcing and the likes. In fairness to the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, he is very much committed to that. I also think there is a real issue around ownership and how we track and trace it. Other countries, quite frankly, have done that better than we have so far. I have mixed views - "mixed views" might be the wrong phrase - on the facility piece because from some of what I hear back, I am not sure if some of these people are looking for somewhere to go and do this. I think, and the Deputy would see it in his own constituency, there is sometimes an element of intimidation and the likes. I will reflect more on that point. On foot of the Deputy raising this, I will ask that the Ministers, Deputies O'Brien and O'Callaghan, come back to him with an outline of the next steps we intend to take.

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