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Louth TD in FF group calling for ban on scramblers on public roads and green spaces
Fianna Fáil Dublin and Louth TD and Senators call for regulation to ban the use of scramblers on public roads and green spaces
Scrambler bikes (file photo)
Reporter:
Donard McCabe
27 Jan 2026 4:30 PM
Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Erin McGreehan, and her local Fianna Fáil colleague, Senator Alison Comyn, are among a group of Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators who are calling today for regulation to ban the use of scramblers on public roads and green spaces.
The group of TDs and Senators released a joint statement today saying that they met Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, following the tragic incident in Finglas on Sunday, where 16-year old Grace Lynch died as a result of a collision involving a scrambler.
The group says in its statement: "In light of the recent tragic events in Finglas over the weekend, Fianna Fáil Senators and TDs, from Dublin and Louth, met Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, over the illegal use of scramblers in our communities.
"Firstly, we wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Grace Lynch who died as a result of a collision involving a scrambler on Sunday. This is a truly tragic incident.
"Minister O’Callaghan confirmed to us that the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 allows for creation by the Minister of State with responsibility for Road Transport to introduce further regulations on specified vehicles.
"The purpose of the Roads Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was to provide for a number of measures to improve safety on our roads, including measures to address the anti-social use of scramblers. Section 35A of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 reads that ‘the Minister may make regulations prohibiting or restricting the use of specified vehicles or classes of vehicles’.
"Scramblers are a scourge on our communities. Each community is unique and faces its own challenges, but this is one issue that the reckless and illegal use of scramblers and quad bikes in our neighbourhoods."
Calling for regulation, the group continued: "Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators are now calling for the Minister of State for Road Transport to introduce the regulation as a matter of urgency.
"It is clear to us and to the many residents we represent who regularly experience the chaos and intimidation caused by the reckless use of these vehicles that proper enforcement by An Garda Síochána, including the use of drones, to identify the illegal use of scramblers and where they reside is also needed and we will be calling on the Garda Commissioner to ensure this.
"There has been a strong legislative effort to address illegal scrambler use. The focus must now turn to regulating their use on public roads and spaces and ensuring the regulation is fully enforced by Gardaí. Residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities.
"Deputy Shane Moynihan is requesting the attendance of the Garda Commissioner to come before the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee in due course.
"Minister Jim O’Callaghan gave us his commitment to meet with the Garda Commissioner to ensure full enforcement takes place through the Road Traffic Act 2023.
"This is an issue that recurs year after year. The legislation is in place, now we must ensure it is applied consistently and effectively so that tragedies like the one we have just witnessed do not happen again.
"Previously, the Government introduced the Road Traffic Act 2023 to give Gardaí extended powers to seize illegal bikes. The group has called on the Minister for Justice to provide An Garda Siochana with any support that it needs to enforce this legislation."
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Megan Lynch with Fiona Butler, Principal of St. Vincent's Secondary School, with DCU President, Professor Dáire Keogh. Megan Lynch is studying for a Bachelor of Education. All Pics: Kyran O’Brien/DCU
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