Call for urgent action to regulate the operation of rickshaws in Dublin city
Dublin City Council is calling for urgent Government action on the operation of rickshaws, with one councillor stating "we cannot wait for another tragedy before we get this right".
An emergency motion tabled by Fine Gael Councillors Danny Byrne and former Lord Mayor Ray McAdam urging action to address the safety, regulation and enforcement of rickshaws was accepted without debate at last night’s monthly full council meeting. This was informed by the death of Danielle O’Keane , a mum-of-two, who was killed in a rickshaw crash after attending a Westlife concert at the 3Arena on September 26.
The councillors expressed their deepest sympathy to the O'Keane's family, friends and loved ones and said the tragedy highlights a need for stronger regulations. “We must be very clear that the circumstances of this collision remain a matter for An Garda Síochána and nothing in our motion seeks to prejudge that investigation or attribute responsibility,” Cllr Byrne said.
“However, this tragedy has brought renewed urgency to serious questions that have existed around rickshaws in Dublin for many years - questions around licensing, insurance, roadworthiness, passenger safety and enforcement.
“It is simply not good enough that almost a decade after legislation was enacted, and years after Government proposals were brought forward, there remains such uncertainty around the regulation of rickshaws carrying passengers for reward."
The motion is calling on the Minister for Transport to immediately clarify the legal position surrounding motorised and electrically propelled rickshaws carrying passengers and to bring forward any legislation required to prohibit their commercial use on public roads.
It also calls for an immediate coordinated enforcement operation involving An Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority, the Road Safety Authority and Dublin City Council , examining issues including vehicle registration, taxation, insurance, driver licensing, roadworthiness and the lawful carriage of passengers for reward.
Cllr Ray McAdam stressed that this proposal is “not about prejudging one particular incident” but that they must question whether the current regulatory framework is “adequate to protect passengers and other road users”.
“ Government approved proposals back in 2018 relating to motorised and non-motorised rickshaws, yet significant issues remain unresolved. Section 31 of the Road Traffic Act 2016, which was intended to provide for the regulation of non-motorised passenger transporters including rickshaws, has still not been commenced,” he stated.
“That cannot continue indefinitely. Dublin needs clarity, proper enforcement and a regulatory framework that puts public safety first.”
The councillors are also calling for Dublin City Council to provide no new rickshaw stands, designated locations, permissions or other Council facilities intended to facilitate commercial rickshaw operations pending the completion of this work. “Dublin is a busy, growing capital city. We need to make sure that every form of commercial passenger transport operating on our streets is properly regulated, properly insured and safe,” Cllr Byrne added.
“The family at the centre of this tragedy deserves our sympathy and respect. Our responsibility as elected representatives is to ensure that the necessary questions are asked and that action is taken where action is required.”
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