TWO working groups are to be established to deal with drug dealing and the illegal use of scrambler bikes, Dublin’s new Lord Mayor has confirmed.
Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF), who represents the Finglas/Ballymun area, made his comments following a meeting with the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, which he described as an encouraging first step.
“I believe that Dubliners want to have confidence in the gardaí but they need to see action on these issues for that to happen,” Cllr McAuliffe said. “Non-stop, flagrant drug dealing is bad for our city and damaging to our reputation.
“All the stakeholders need to step up to the mark, and I am hopeful that An Garda Síochána, supported by Dublin City Council and working with other State agencies, can find and implement solutions to this challenge.”
He added that dangerous scrambler bike use is terrorising communities across the local areas of Finglas and Ballymun, and it cannot be allowed to continue.
“My party has published legislation on this matter, but I also want to work with the gardaí to see if other measures can be deployed while that bill is being debated to stem the growing fear residents have of these bikes,” he continued.
“A multi-agency approach is needed to deal with these twin challenges. I am confident that progress can be made and I feel that the Commissioner is determined to further increase public confidence in the gardaí. I look forward to supporting him in that endeavour.”
Problems with the illegal use of quad bikes and scramblers in public places have plagued Northside communities in recent years. There have been numerous incidents where public safety has been put at risk and in one high profile case a man was seriously injured by a bike while relaxing in a Northside park.
In addition, public football pitches have been destroyed by the irresponsible use of scrambler and quad bikes.
Fianna Fáil politicians have been to the fore in pushing for legislation to deal with the problem, which is also a major issue on the Southside.