The Journal are reporting that Gardaí in Ballymun have launched an awareness campaign in the hope of highlighting the dangers - to parents in Ballymun and the surrounding areas - of quad and scrambler bikes and mopeds for children. 

All vehicles driven on public roads, footpaths and grass areas need to be taxed and insured and also the driver must have a licence and be over 16-years-old.

Gardaí warned parents and guardians "to think before they buy that bike for their child."

“Young and inexperienced people driving bikes risk injury, endanger the lives of pedestrians and cause traffic collisions, which can result in court proceedings.”

Sinn Féin Councillor, Noeleen Reilly said the bikes were an issue across the Dublin North West area in particular. 

“Many people simply do not know the facts around them and it is important to make the public aware.

“These bikes are a huge nuisance to communities,  not to mention the very obvious danger to those who are using them and other road users.

“Children as young as five have been seen driving these bikes around local estates."

A similar campaign was launched last year by An Garda Síochána, South Dublin County Council and Motorcycling Ireland.

They felt that parents needed to be informed about the legal requirements around the bikes and how they are used. 

"Parents also need to ensure their child is wearing the right protection, is trained in how to handle the bike and is responsible enough to only use it in suitable locations such as official race tracks or on private property if they have received permission from the landowner.

"Riders have to know the danger of these machines and the power they put out can be lethal. “Getting the right equipment and wearing it correctly is the very first step but having a trained person teach you the skills is vitally important," said Stuart Edmonds, member of motocross team Metcon CCR TM.

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