Dublin Councillors demand new laws for scrambler bikes following Finglas tragedy
Calls for stricter measures to address the dangers posed by illegal use of scrambler bikes have ramped up following the tragic death of a teenage girl in Finglas .
The ongoing threat of scramblers and off-road bikes in residential areas, green spaces, and on public roads has long been a topic in Dublin City Council, with local representatives calling for clearer legislation and stronger enforcement. The latest is Independent Councillor Gavin Pepper who has submitted an emergency motion calling for enhanced measures.
Cllr Pepper said that his ultimate hope would be that scramblers are banned entirely, but that at the very least new legislation is required including potential penalties for parents or guardians who permit children to operate scrambler bikes illegally. He stated that this should be done in consultation with An Garda Siochana and relevant statutory bodies.
“This fatal incident highlights the urgency of an issue that continues to pose an immediate risk to public safety," he said. "I believe that urgent action is required to help reduce serious injury or loss of life, and that a combination of enforcement, parental responsibility, and safe alternatives must be examined.
“I also recognise growing public concern that parents or guardians who allow children to use scrambler bikes illegally are contributing to a serious public safety risk. Accordingly, I request that this matter be taken as an emergency.”
Social Democrats Cllr Daniel Ennis also stressed the need to address “the scourge of scrambler bikes” that has plagued north-inner city communities for years. “This is a heartache we know all too well in our communities right across Dublin and my thoughts are with everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” he said in a social media post.
“I have called for urgent action to address this problem as it continues to play out across Dublin, yet we have not seen the necessary response. This devastating loss highlights once again the urgent need for robust action to tackle the illegal and dangerous use of scrambler bikes on our streets.”
Cllr Ennis previously addressed the need for stricter enforcement of scrambler bikes at a council meeting last September, where he highlighted an elderly woman in her 80s being knocked to the ground by youths on bikes. He called for a dedicated policy and policing plan at the time to avoid tragedy further down the line.
At the time, Dublin City Council agreed to call on Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to urgently develop and implement a comprehensive, dedicated policing and policy plan to address the ongoing scourge of illegal scrambler use on city streets.
Dublin North-West Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne also offered his condolences to family and loved ones of Grace Lynch and said the “dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters has scourged communities such as Finglas for far too long.” He stressed it is up to local representations “to continue pushing for greater and swifter action on this.”
“There has long been a need for a greater presence of community Gardaí in Finglas - the Dublin North division of the Dublin Metropolitan Region has 769 members of staff to cover a population area of approximately 350,583, a ratio of 219 Gardaí per 100,000 people. The national average is 276 per 100,000, or 26% higher than in the Dublin North division. We need a strong visible presence of community gardai who can help prevent such terrible incidents. My thoughts are with all of those in the community affected by this tragedy.”
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