The Government has approved “Grace’s Law”, new regulations that will ban the use of scrambler bikes in all public spaces.
Speaking at Government Buildings, Darragh O’Brien confirmed the measures will come into force this Friday and will be signed into law later today, reports RTE.
The legislation is named in memory of Grace Lynch, who died after being struck by a scrambler bike in Finglas in January.
Mr O’Brien said the issue had been “a scourge in communities” and stressed the need to end it, adding that the new rules give clear authority that scramblers are banned from public roads and parks, reports RTE.
He explained that scrambler bikes may still be used on private land with the landowner’s permission or at designated sporting facilities, but must be transported to and from those locations.
The minister said fines for owners will increase, although bikes may still be returned in some cases, reports RTE.
He added that he had engaged directly with Grace’s family and acknowledged the Government needed to go further than the 2023 regulations, even if that results in the seizure of large numbers of bikes.
Mr O’Brien also said he was surprised by last week’s conviction of a garda involved in a pursuit of scrambler riders, but insisted it would not undermine the effectiveness of the new law, reports RTE.
Sean Canney said the legislation provides clarity for gardaí, particularly by defining scramblers and confirming they can be seized if used in public places.
He said officers no longer need to assess whether dangerous driving is involved, as the presence of a scrambler in a public area is enough to justify confiscation, reports RTE.
Mr O’Brien also urged families and communities to ensure that young people do not purchase or use scrambler bikes illegally and to comply fully with the law.
He reiterated that he has maintained contact with Grace’s parents, Siobhán and Martin, throughout the process and praised their strength, reports RTE.
The Garda Representative Association welcomed the legislation, describing it as a vital step toward improving safety in public areas.
The association also supported moves to allow gardaí to break traffic rules when pursuing suspects and called for expanded pursuit driver training and a separate driving licence system for officers on duty, reports RTE.
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