A “radical approach” is needed to deal with scrambler bikes going onto Galway City Council owned pitches and amenities, especially when children and families are present.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil Galway City East councillor Alan Cheevers, who is calling on the gardaí and the local authority to enact measures to “confiscate” such bikes - also known as dirt bikes - from any individuals “causing this antisocial behavior” and that fines be imposed.
His call follows reports at the weekend that scrambler bikes were seen in playing pitches In Ballybane and Doughiska.
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Fianna Fáil Galway City East councillor Alan Cheevers.
In February, the Government signed off on proposals that would allow gardaí to seize scrambler bikes and other off-road vehicles where they were used on public or private land without the permission of the landowner. The proposed new offence will cover parks, green areas, waste ground and beaches.
“It is deeply concerning that residents and young people walking or playing in these areas are subject to dangerous antisocial behavior,” said Cllr Cheevers, “but also the damage that has been incurred to the playing pitches. Measures need to be taken.”
