Gardaí have received and responded to numerous reports in recent weeks in relation to youths using quads on public roads in various areas across north Inishowen.
In one incident, on Saturday, December 27th, between 8.45pm and 8.50pm, an ATV was driven around the green area of the Donegal County Council offices in Carndonagh in a dangerous manner. Substantial damage was caused to the green as a result.
“This is not the first time that this type of damage has been caused in this area and CCTV is in place as a result,” Garda Grainne Doherty said.
“It is being viewed and the investigation is ongoing. We advise the quad driver in question in this instance to come and speak with us”.
Garda Doherty pointed out that quads are powerful machines and they have the potential to severely or even fatally injure someone. She also called on parents to speak to their children in relation to these dangers.
“We ask parents to speak to their youths in relation to the dangers associated with quad bikes and also in relation to the law surrounding the use of them,” Gda Doherty added. “Never allow your youth to use a quad on public roads and make it known to them that this behaviour will not be tolerated by you as a parent or by Gardaí”.
When a quad is used on a public road they are subject to the same rules as any other MPV. They are required to be registered, taxed and in a good roadworthy condition. The driver must hold the appropriate driving licence and they must be insured to drive the vehicle.
Young quad drivers causing serious damage and risk in Inishowen was last modified: January 6th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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