Northside TD calls for cross-party support to tackle scrambler menace

Speaking in advance of a Sinn Féin motion on protecting communities from quads and scramblers used in a dangerous and reckless manner, to be debated in the Dáil chamber on Tuesday (November 15), Sinn Féin TD for Dublin West, Paul Donnelly, has called on all parties and none to support the motion.

Deputy Donnelly said: “The dangerous use of quads and scramblers is a serious issue in urban areas in particular and communities must be protected.

“Between 2014 and 2019 6 people across the state lost their lives in scrambler and quad related incidents and 60 people have been injured in quad and scrambler related incidents in the same period.

“Some 48% of these incidents involved those aged 18 or under and in the run up to Christmas we are calling for a public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of purchasing a quad or scrambler as a present for a child or young person.

“The current legislation does not give Gardaí sufficient powers to protect communities and adequately apprehend those using scramblers and quads in a dangerous or reckless manner.

“Next week Sinn Féin will publish legislation to give legal certainty and powers to the Gardaí to effectively tackle this issue.

“However, more must be done – Gardaí must be trained to apprehend those on quads and scramblers safely and they must have the resources to do so.

“Fianna Fáil joined us in campaigning on this issue in the previous Dáil and I hope they will now support this motion in the House.

“I am calling on all TDs to support the Sinn Féin motion to protect communities from the impact of quads and scramblers being used in a dangerous and reckless manner.”