Unrestrained use of these vehicles can cause the destruction of upland vegetation leading to erosion, the disturbance of ground-nesting birds and destruction of their nests, and permanent damage to sand dune systems.

The Directions are not aimed at agricultural or other occupational use of quads or other similar off-road vehicles or their use by the security or emergency services.  Landowners will have the right to object to, or seek review of, a Ministerial Direction affecting their land, and to seek exemption from the general application of a Direction that affects their land where the Minister is satisfied that the scale and nature of the recreational activity that they propose to undertake will not damage a European nature site or pose a threat to protected species.

“The object of these Directions is not to restrict people’s legitimate enjoyment of outdoor recreational activities”, said the Minister.  “Along with other EU States, Ireland has designated certain areas for nature protection and, in those areas, that must be our priority.  Many people, indeed, find recreation in the enjoyment of undisturbed nature,” he concluded.