A tragedy that shook communities across Dublin is now set to change the law, with scramblers facing a total ban from public places.
The Government has confirmed that new legislation, to be known as Grace’s Law in memory of Grace Lynch (pictured above), will outlaw the use of scramblers in parks, estates and other public areas, while also strengthening the powers of An Garda Síochána to seize bikes and keep them off the streets.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the name of the new law last Wednesday (4th) as he made his way into the Dáil, following proposals brought forward by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien (pictured above), Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer.
The decision follows the tragic and untimely death of Grace Lynch in Finglas on January 25.
In the aftermath of her death, the Taoiseach convened a meeting of key members of Government and senior officials to consider an outright ban on scramblers.
Ministers have now proposed regulations to implement what they describe as a total ban on scrambler use in public places.
The intention is to close any remaining gaps where scrambler use may previously have been considered legal outside of appropriate off-road settings and to enhance Garda powers of seizure so that bikes taken off the streets are less likely to end up back in use again.
It is intended that the ban will be introduced within the coming weeks.
As an immediate step, ministers also plan to amend regulations to increase the daily fees that accrue when a seized vehicle is held, a move aimed at discouraging owners from reclaiming bikes and returning them to public areas.
Although many scramblers are already illegal on public roads, the Government says the new rules will make the position clearer and easier to enforce.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and display a registration plate.
In practice, most scramblers are designed solely for off-road use and are unregistered, meaning they cannot be taxed and are already unlawful for road use.
Gardaí also have the power to seize vehicles being driven without tax or insurance, or where the driver does not hold the correct licence.
Once seized, a vehicle can be disposed of six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks’ notice of the intention to dispose is given.
The new regulations are designed to reinforce those existing powers and remove uncertainty around the use of scramblers in parks, greens and other public spaces.
Minister O’Brien said the measures would bring additional clarity and were being introduced as a matter of urgency.
“These new regulations will help to bring additional legal clarity to the existing position that scramblers are banned for use on the road in almost all cases,” he said.
He added that the Government owed it to Grace Lynch, her family and her friends “to introduce regulations to further restrict the inappropriate use of scramblers in public places as a matter of urgency”.
“We call on all scrambler users to obey the laws that are designed to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said, urging family members to speak with those in their lives who may be riding scramblers illegally.
Minister Canney said the proposals would build on what is already in place and give Gardaí greater certainty when intervening.
“The new regulations will build on the existing legislative position and give clarity to the Gardai in relation to the use of scramblers in public places,” he said.
He noted that most scramblers already cannot be used legally in public places and stressed that none can legally be driven dangerously anywhere.
He added that An Garda Síochána already has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location and can also enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve one after the fact.
“These powers are being used,” he said, pointing out that since 2023 more than 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers have been seized.
Minister Buttimer said people considering buying an off-road scrambler should be aware of the restrictions.
“Anyone considering the purchase of an off-road scrambler should be aware that unless you plan to use it exclusively for off-road purposes such as farm work or not use it at all, there is no lawful reason to possess one,” he said.
He added that where a scrambler is used entirely off roads and away from public places, and is driven safely with the permission of the landowner, it remains legal to use it and it is not the Government’s intention to restrict those lawful purposes.
“We must continue to bring forward strong legislative proposals accompanied by robust enforcement by An Garda Síochána to increase the safety of all road users,” he said.
The announcement was also welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, who said communities in the North Inner City in particular have seen first-hand the impact of illegal scrambler use.
“I welcome this decision by Government. It is long overdue,” he said.
“In Dublin’s North Inner City we have seen exactly what illegal scramblers lead to: serious injuries, chaos in our parks and housing estates, and families left devastated.”
He said residents wanted more than announcements and called for the ban to be enforced properly.
“A total ban in public places must mean exactly that, no loopholes, no grey areas, no excuses,” he said.
“And it must be enforced. Gardaí need clear powers, real backup on the ground, and fast processes to seize these bikes and keep them off our streets.
“Not for a few days. Not to be collected and used again. Off the road, off the footpaths, out of our communities.”
He added: “This is about public safety. People should be able to walk to school, push a buggy, or use their local park without fear.
“The law must be matched by real enforcement and it needs to start immediately.”