Government announces fund of €200,000 to tackle misuse of scramblers

The Government has announced a fund of €2000,000 to tackle the use of illegal scramblers and quad bikes.

The funding will largely target communities in Dublin and Limerick.

Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan welcomed the funding but says that resources must be consistently allocated to help deal with the issue.

“This initiative is to be welcomed.

“Receiving €62,000, Cherry Orchard is the main beneficiary,” he says.

“The fund will be targeted at 98 young people currently involved in illegal scramblers use – it is definitely a step in the right direction.

“The Government must now ensure this funding remains in place over the next few years.

“Once off funding will not properly tackle the problem of illegal scramblers.

“To be successful the initiative also needs to be linked with effective legislation, increased Garda numbers and training.

“Many in these communities have felt abandoned and have lost confidence in the Gardaí.

“This is an opportunity to change that.

“To do so we need long term funding, legislation that allows Gardaí seize illegal scramblers and the Minister must increase Garda numbers to ensure the legislation came be properly enforced.

“Anything less is just short term publicity.”