Dessie Ellis TD

Fianna Fáil and government refuse to back Sinn Féin bill regulating scramblers and quad bikes on green areas.

Sinn Féin TD For Dublin North West Dessie Ellis has expressed his disappointment that a bill he had  co-sponsored with Sinn Féin TD Imedla Munster to amend road traffic legislation to regulate quad bikes and scramblers has been opposed by both the government and their partners in government Fianna Fáil.

Deputy Ellis said:

“I am very disappointed that the bill myself and Deputy Imelda Munster on amending the road traffic act to regulate quad bikes and scramblers has been opposed by both the government and their partners Fianna Fáil.”

“I am angry that after a lot of work over years on this burning issue that the first real chance we have had as legislators to regulate these vehicles has been shot down by both the government and Fianna Fáil.”

“I have to question the support that public representatives from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have given me on this issue when it is has been raised at a local level.  These same representatives are now opposing the bill I have brought forward in the Dáil which would end the torment and fear people have in their communities caused by the irresponsible and anti-social activity of those who ride without care or caution their quads and scramblers in public park and through housing estates.”

“By opposing this bill the only winners are those engaging in anti-social activity.  The losers are the community, the elderly, families with children and all who use their local parks and amenities.”

“This is a lost opportunity to give respite and for those who are being terrorized in their local areas by these quads and scramblers.”

“Fatalities and injuries will continue because of these anti-social activities.”

“Families will continue to be fearful of taking their children to the local park.”

“We have put forward a solution and Fianna Fáil and the government have rejected it.”

“Fianna Fáil and the government have offered no solutions to this problem.”

“They should be condemned for their inaction and callous rejection of a bill which would end the scourge of these quads and scramblers and give public parks and spaces back to the community.”

ENDS