Parents in Dundalk warned of lethal e-scooter craze in playgrounds

Dundalk South local representative, Councillor Robert Nash, is urging parents to be vigilant following reports of a dangerous new craze in local playgrounds that has already resulted in one child being admitted to hospital with serious head injuries.

Cllr Nash said he has received reports of children using the wheel of an e-scooter to spin playground roundabouts and other rotating equipment at extremely high speeds in parks, including Muirhevnamor Park.

In some cases, the equipment is believed to have reached speeds of 30 - 40km/h

The Fine Gael councillor told the Dundalk Democrat that, “only last week, I was made aware of an incident in which a child was admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital with serious head injuries after being thrown from a playground ride. The ride was travelling at such a speed that the child was simply unable to hold on.

"Make no bones about it – a child being thrown from playground equipment travelling at 30 or 40km/h is no different to being involved in a serious road traffic collision. The consequences can be devastating, and in some cases the injuries could be life-changing."

Cllr Nash said he has also received reports of groups of youths gathering in a number of parks around Dundalk and encouraging younger children to take part in this dangerous activity. He warned that many of these children may not fully appreciate the speeds being reached or the serious risks involved.

"I am also aware that videos of some of these incidents have been circulated online, which only serves to encourage others to imitate this reckless behaviour."

Cllr Nash is appealing to parents to speak with their children about the dangers involved, particularly those whose older children may visit playgrounds without adult supervision.

"I welcome the decision to temporarily lock one of the playground rides in Muirhevnamor until a solution can be found to prevent this dangerous misuse.

"Our playgrounds should be safe places where children can play, have fun and enjoy themselves. No parent should have to worry about their child's safety because of reckless and irresponsible behaviour by others.”

Appealing to the local community to be vigilant, Cllr Nash added, "I would urge anyone who witnesses this type of dangerous activity to report it to An Garda Síochána immediately so that action can be taken before another child is seriously injured.

"Finally, I want to extend my very best wishes to the child who was seriously injured in last week's incident.

“I wish them a full and speedy recovery and hope they are back on their feet as soon as possible."