A number of farmers who work on their own have not completed the required certification for the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), according to a former garda sergeant.

Dean Kerins, retired Crime Prevention Officer for Co. Meath, opened an ATV training school in late 2023, ahead of regulations on the use of the vehicles that went into effect in November of that year.

He told Agriland: "I have spoken to a number of farmers and they did not see any benefit in completing it despite the legislation in place.

"The only way that might force them to go through the training is if their insurance look for a copy of the certification or if the laws are changed to ensure that proof of certification is produced prior to purchasing a new quad," he added.

 According to Kerins, issues may arise for farmers regarding their insurance if "they are not compliant with the new ATV legislation and an accident occurs to them or another person working for them".

"It is something that all operators of ATVs should be aware of," he warned.

"It could become a huge headache for the owners if an accident occurs and this could have huge financial difficulties for the owner of the ATVs."

ATV training

Kerins established the DHK Safety training school after qualifying as an ABA international ATV instructor.

He said he had thought that with the certified training and the use of helmets lives would be saved, accidents reduced, and better and safer drivers of ATVs in the workplace created.

"It is vital that all owners of ATVs ensure that everyone using their ATV in the workplace is trained, carries out the proper risk assessments, wears the correct safety equipment, and is the appropriate age to use the ATV safely," Kerins stressed.