Court takes dim view of quads

THE ‘SLANEY NEWS’ HAS HAD CONTACT OVER THE YEARS FROM PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE USE OF QUADS ON MOUNT LEINSTER AND OTHER SCENIC AREAS USED BY HIKERS...

An interesting case came up in Wicklow last month where the illegal use of quad bikes in the Wicklow mountains resulted in community service for three young men.

On 2nd February, the three young men pleaded guilty to a breach under Regulation 29 of European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021. The case involved the illegal use of quad bikes within the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and was brought before Carlow District Court.

District Court Judge Geraldine Carthy offered the chance for the three defendants to put their mistake behind them and to carry out habitat restoration work in order to make amends. She reserved her judgement, and said that if they satisfactorily carried out 30 hours of community service and made a €400 donation to a local wildlife charity, she would strike out the charges later in the year. Our photo shows the three defendants using quad bikes at the summit of Slievemaan Mt, near Lugnaquillia, Co. Wicklow. n