Carlow council to vote on disputed bikes ban

Carlow County Council is to vote next week on a controversial proposal to ban quad bikes and other off-road vehicles from upland areas.

With other councils closely watching proceedings in Carlow, a vote in favour of a ban is likely to lead to restrictions in many other mountain areas.

Walkers, environmentalists and other opponents of quads and scrambler motorbikes say they cause cause erosion, damage archaeological sites and frighten animals.

Nonetheless, the use of such vehicles for leisure purposes is increasing. Some farmers also use quads to reach sheep in upland areas.

Carlow County Council has already rejected two proposals from its strategic policy committee to ban off-road vehicles from the Blackstairs mountains.

However, next Monday's meeting is expected to approve the latest draft of the proposed bylaw, which will also affect mountain bikes.

Green Party deputy leader Mary White, who proposed the original bylaw two years ago, said mountainous areas of Co Carlow had been "completely destroyed" by quads.

"A very fragile peat environment is under attack. The peat breaks down under the effect of the erosion, and water run-off causes further damage to the bog and to the roads." Ms White said the proposed bylaw was supported by farmers as well as walkers. Exemptions will apply to farmers using off-road vehicles in their work.

Labour's Cllr Michael Meaney said claims of widespread erosion were "a lot of hype".

"There's absolutely no need for it. We already have enough rules and regulations. Besides, it won't work. Who is there to police it?" Mr Meaney said the original proposal had been watered down so much that it was now "meaningless".

The original proposal required farmers using quads to have a permit, renewable every three years. However, this requirement has been removed.

The Mountaineering Council of Ireland, which has welcomed the proposal, wants other local authorities to follow the example of Louth, which introduced restrictions on off-road vehicles in the Cooley Mountains two years ago.

The MCI is also seeking resources to police the ban and the designation of areas for use by quads, scrambling bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

In Carlow, the controversy is fuelled by rivalry between Ms White and Mr Meaney, who both represent Borris on the council.

Yesterday Mr Meaney accused the Greens of trying to gain attention from the issue and claimed Ms White had "an insatiable appetite for publicity".