More garda action sought over ‘frightening’ use of scramblers on popular Limerick walkway

PLAIN-CLOTHES garda officers should be deployed along the popular walkway connecting the city and University of Limerick.

That's the view of councillors, who this week detailed a catalogue of incidents which involved youths using scrambler bikes along the Canal Bank.

Members of the Metropolitan District unanimously passed a motion from Green Party councillor Sean Hartigan that the local authority writes to local garda management to outline their concerns at what was described as “anti-social/criminal behaviour and lawlessness”.

Councillor Hartigan said: “People drive towards people on scramblers to intimidate them, scaring the living daylight out of them. They pick on vulnerable people or minorities. In one incident, they drove at an Indian man.”

Labour’s Conor Sheehan, who seconded the motion, said his own mother was chased under a bridge near Pa Healy Road by someone on a scrambler bike.

“There was a terrifying incident where a 20-odd year old was punched in the face [by someone on a scrambler]. She was going for a jog at 6pm on an early summer’s Wednesday,” he said.

The City North councillor also claimed he had seen drugs being taken on the Canal Bank path “with impunity.”

Cameras at hotspot for anti-social behaviour in Limerick not monitored live

Councillor Hartigan added: “At the best of times, these scramblers are frightening. It's particularly frightening on the Riverside Pass and the Canal Bank as it's very narrow. People are relaxed there, and may have pets and children with them. I've witnessed quite a lot of events where people were scared out of their lives, grabbing children and their dogs.”

He said he's been told there will be more patrols on the riverbank with Cllr Sheehan joining others in calling for plain-clothed officers to stop those behaving in a criminal manner in their tracks.

Some people have called for a dedicated area to allow people with scrambler bikes to roam freely.
Councillor Hartigan said this would be a “red herring”.

“The scrambler drivers have the best clothes, the best of tackies. These guys are not the same guys who will want to go up and down hills to get them dirty. It’s a completely impractical solution,” he said.

He also pointed out that those participating would need a van, trailer, car and a drivers’ licence as they'd need to drive to and from any site in alternative transport.

“The only way to tackle this problem is through enforcement. The laws are there and the gardai can tackle it if they want to,” he concluded.

Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Cllr Azad Talukder, Fianna Fail, said: “Lots of children play around these areas, and they are feeling very unsafe as a result.”

Sinn Fein councillor Tom Collopy added: “Scrambler bike users are getting younger and younger. Some carry out what can only be described as acrobatics on them. It's anti-social behaviour and needs to be stopped immediately.”

Following the passing of the motion, a formal letter will be sent to the head of the Limerick garda division - Chief Superintendent Derek Smart.