LIMERICK TD Maurice Quinlivan has called for action to be taken to address the misuse of scrambler bikes in the Kennedy Park, Glasgow Park, and Garryowen areas of Limerick City.
The Sinn Féin TD raised concerns at the recent meeting of Limerick City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee.
Deputy Quinlivan said that he had been contacted by several residents concerned about the off-road bikes.
“I have been advised that scramblers are being driven at speed on footpaths, leading to senior residents being fearful of walking in their own estate. The green areas are being damaged by these vehicles and their presence around the estates can be quite intimidating,” he said.
Deputy Quinlivan requested that Gardaí increase patrols, particularly in Kennedy Park, Glasgow Park, and Garryowen areas, and in late evenings when, he says, scrambler drivers congregate.
He believes that scramblers “have become a plague in many parts of Limerick”.
“The use of balaclavas and other face coverings adds to the intimidatory presence that scramblers pose. They are perhaps the most visible anti-social behaviour issue in Limerick.”
While Deputy Quinlivan conceded that there has been”significant reduction in the misuse of scramblers in many parts of Limerick City and the new legislation is working well”, he maintains the scrambler problem is a “stubborn” one, particularly in Kennedy Park, Glasgow Park, and Garryowen.
Local elections candidate Danielle O’Shea mirrored his concerns, saying that she has spoken to a number of residents in the area who noted “an increase in anti-social behaviour, particularly relating to the use of scramblers”.
Locals, she says, also expressed concerns over “burning wheelie bins”, which they believe to be linked to “a lower Garda presence in the area”.
“It is essential that Gardaí take steps to address this matter and ensure that residents feel safe and protected in their own homes.”
