Plans to prohibit the use of scrambler bikes in public areas are due to be brought before Cabinet on Wednesday.
The move follows a Government commitment to intensify efforts to remove scramblers from roads after the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch in Finglas, Dublin last month, reports Breaking News.
She was killed after being struck by a scrambler motorbike while crossing at a pedestrian crossing on Ratoath Road.
A man appeared in court last week in connection with the incident, reports Breaking News.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien is expected to present proposals to Cabinet on Wednesday that would enable the ban, according to The Irish Times.
The proposals would see scramblers banned from public spaces such as parks and roads, and come after a meeting last week involving the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney, and Attorney General Rossa Fanning, reports Breaking News.
Under current rules, vehicles used on public roads must be registered, taxed and insured, and drivers are required to hold a valid licence. It is understood that most scrambler bikes fail to meet these criteria and are therefore already illegal on roads.
However, while legislation targeting dangerous scrambler driving — including provisions allowing vehicles to be seized — was passed in 2023, further regulations are required to enable the full implementation of a ban, reports Breaking News.
Stricter rules are also being considered for e-scooter and e-bike users, including the introduction of fines and mandatory use of helmets and high-visibility clothing.
The Government has faced growing pressure to act following the death of teenager Grace Lynch, reports Breaking News.
The issue was raised in the Dáil last Tuesday by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who said the 2023 “legislation did not go far enough” and “has not been enacted fully”, reports Breaking News.
Earlier that day, Martin said he would be “engaging with Ministers to make sure that anything and everything that has to be done will be done to remove these scramblers from our public roads”.
He said he played a role in securing the passage of scrambler-related legislation and believed that “all aspects of that legislation, and all regulations should be signed as quickly as possible and dealt with”, reports Breaking News.
It is understood the proposals being submitted to Cabinet on Wednesday will seek approval to begin drafting regulations aimed at providing clearer legal backing for a ban on scramblers in public places.
The plans include establishing a legal definition of a scrambler bike, with additional regulations expected to follow under existing ministerial powers to ban or restrict certain types of vehicles, reports Breaking News.
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