Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has described the latest act of wanton destruction in Killinarden Park, where scramblers were driven over the playing pitches as completely unacceptable.

Teachta Crowe called on the Government to make the passing of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which would allow gardaí to seize scramblers being used in a dangerous and reckless manner in public places, a priority in this Dáil term.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The GAA playing pitches in Killinarden Park have been torn up by scramblers once again. I have seen the photos and witnessed with my own eyes the damage done and I can only describe it as wanton vandalism.

“Croí Ró Naofa CLG were due to have four juvenile teams playing in the park on Saturday and now this cannot happen because of the callous behaviour of those who have no respect for others. The club will be playing no matches there for the foreseeable future because of the damage done.

“The Government must make the passing of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 a priority in this Dáil term. This Bill would allow gardaí to seize scramblers being used in a dangerous and reckless manner in public places. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I have been calling for such powers for years and the Government’s reluctance is unacceptable and inexplicable.

“Enough is enough. We have appealed to the users of quads and scramblers to use them in a safe and considerate manner in public places, yet we are still seeing our parks ripped up. The gardaí must be given additional powers to stop and seize these vehicles. If you know of anyone using a scrambler to rip up the grass in a public park, they shouldn’t be driving one and if you have any influence to put a stop to it, please use it.”