A GANG of young motorbikers has brought fear to the Moyross area.
Several residents of Cosgrave Park told the Limerick Post they were tormented with the constant sound of revved up machines.
They point to damage caused to green areas outside their homes, and have expressed fears that there could be loss of life as a result of motor bikers speeding around the estate.
When asked if they had they confronted those responsible, they responded that they felt too intimidated to challenge them.
“If we go out to face up to these people, we know we will have our windows put in”.
Those involved range from 12 to mid twenties.
Petrol stations in Moyross catchment area have been requested to to stop selling to minors.
One resident said: “Those driving the bikes on the greens have no helmets, no license and no tax. They are totally irresponsible.
“There seems to be a widely held view that driving the bikes in the estate without a license or tax and insurance is not against the law, because they are off the main road”.
A spokesperson for Henry Street Garda Station confirmed that to drive these vehicles in a public place, a valid driver’s licence, tax and insurance are required.
He said: “We will take immediate action when we observe people driving motorbikes dangerously in a public area.
“Green areas in housing estates are public areas where section 53 of the Road Traffic Act is fully enforceable”.
It is claimed the bikers kick start their machines in early afternoon and continue long into the night, and that they come from other parts of Moyross, Ballynanty and Craeval Park because of the spacious greens.
According to residents, the problem has become more prevalent in recent times.
Another major concern raised was noise pollution.
“We have to turn our TVs to the highest volume to drown out the noise they create. They even break the exhausts off the back of the bikes to make them louder”.
There is further concern at the detrimental affect the bikers are having on the estate.
“They love coming down here in the bad weather because they can have more fun sliding around and tearing up the greens”.
Councillor Tom Shortt, agreed it is difficult for the Gardaí to deal with the problem.
“It is a massive public safety issue if the Gardaí were to chase the culprits too apprehend them. However, one resident said to me that if the same thing was happening in a private or more affluent estate, it would be clamped down on immediately”.
One complainant asked why CCTV cameras had not identified those responsible.
There is an acceptance that since the motorcyclists primarily drive on the greens it can be difficult for Gardaí to pursue them, and also through alleyways.
Manager of Moyross Community Centre Paddy Flannery, said: “Motorbike riding is an issue in the estate, as it is in many other parts of the city. We can’t have a situation where the young people on these bikes are being chased, which could result in a fatality”.
