Scrambler and quad regulations welcomed by Cllr Hackett

Legislation prohibiting the use of mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) in public spaces is good news for Offaly, according to Green Party Councillor Mark Hackett.

“We’ve had problems with scramblers in Blundell Park and on the Grand Canal greenway,” said Cllr Hackett.

“There’s also been problems on Coillte-owned forest tracks, and for Bord na Móna on bogland. Quads are great for use on the farm but recreational use of MPVs in public spaces needed to be regulated. I’m very grateful to Eamon Ryan for introducing this legislation,” he continued.

The legislation will introduce three specific measures:

1. Use of a MVP will be prohibited on public or private land, except in cases where there is permission from the landowner. This proposed new offence will cover places such as parks, green areas, waste ground, beaches and others, while the use of vehicles on private lands (such as farms) will not be affected.

2. An Garda Síochána will be given powers to detain a vehicle used in a location where permission from the landowner has not been received.

3. An Garda Síochána will also be enabled, on foot of a warrant, to enter a private premises and remove a vehicle suspected of having been used contrary to the new offence.

Announcing the new measures, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: “I am determined to stop the misuse of quads, scramblers and similar vehicles, by making it an offence to use them in areas such as waste ground, parks and other places which were not covered by road traffic legislation up to now. “