Reckless scrambler riders terrorising Tallaght’s streets and parks have been dealt a major blow.
Fearful residents will welcome news that local Gardai have seized a large number of scramblers in the opening few weeks of the year.
The crackdown follows growing outrage over the dangerous joyriding epidemic, which has left some local pedestrians fearing for their safety.
With new powers to pursue and confiscate these vehicles, authorities are ramping up efforts to put an end to the mayhem.
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West, Seán Crowe (pictured above), has welcomed the increased efforts to tackle illegal scrambler use in local parks and streets,
praising the recent seizure of 15 such vehicles in the Tallaght area since the start of 2025.
“At a meeting of South Dublin County Council and local Oireachtas members this week, I learned from the Gardaí that 15 scrambler bikes have been seized in the Tallaght area so far this year due to their use in anti-social behaviour,” Deputy Crowe stated.
“This is a very welcome move given the unfettered use that we have seen in the past.
“There is still a lot of work to do in eliminating this dangerous behaviour, particularly in the Glenshane and Killinarden Park areas.
“I am glad to hear that further inter-departmental and onsite meetings have also taken place to identify new ways to eliminate illegal access of scramblers,” he added.
Deputy Crowe stressed the urgent need to ensure public spaces remain safe.
“Our parks, streets, and green spaces must be made safe to walk without the real fear that a pedestrian, whether a child or an elderly resident, might be struck down by these vehicles.
“We know that there have been some very serious injuries to both scrambler drivers and pedestrians in the past, including fatalities, and this has to be brought to an end.”
Last year an elderly woman was struck by a scrambler in Killinarden Estate in a hit and run incident.
The woman was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing heading towards the local shop and post office when she was stuck by the scrambler.
Local residents were livid and deeply upset at the incident.
Last month, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris announced a significant shift in policy, allowing gardaí to pursue individuals driving scramblers, scooters, and electric bikes dangerously—an action previously restricted.
He noted that many of these drivers, mostly young men, operate without helmets, with their faces covered, weaving recklessly through traffic and public spaces.
The rise in illegal scrambler use has been linked to serious criminal activities, including burglary, theft, drug dealing, and violent attacks.
Organised crime gangs have reportedly supplied scramblers to teens and vulnerable adults to aid in illicit operations. Several targeted garda operations have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs, cash, and hundreds of bikes.
Gardaí have previously struggled to tackle the issue due to restrictions on pursuit policies, with offenders taunting officers by circling patrol cars and waiting outside stations. However, Commissioner Harris has now given gardaí the authority to engage in pursuits when necessary, provided they are proportionate and controlled.
“It’s not about pursuing until the fuel runs out,” Commissioner Harris explained.
“It is about a balance, authority, and the ability to pursue a vehicle.
“It has to be proportional and necessary as to what the outcome will be.”
While gardaí can now seize scramblers under new legislation, they require a warrant to enter a home and arrest a driver.
Harris acknowledged the evolving challenge posed by electric bikes and high-powered electric vehicles, stressing that operational members now have a framework to make informed decisions on the ground.
“If it’s appropriate and proportionate to the threat, they can pursue,” Commissioner Harris stated, reinforcing the Gardaí’s commitment to tackling this growing issue.
The illegal use of scramblers has long been a concern for residents, particularly in urban areas where reckless driving poses a constant threat.
Community representatives and local politicians have frequently raised the issue, urging the government to take more decisive action.
With the latest policy shift, many hope that enforcement will lead to safer streets and public spaces.
Parents and schools have also voiced their concerns, as young people, often underage and unlicensed, are known to operate these vehicles without proper training or safety equipment.
Reports of serious injuries and even fatalities highlight the urgent need for better education and stronger deterrents against illegal scrambler use.
South Dublin County Council has indicated its willingness to collaborate with local Gardaí to address the issue further.
Additional measures, including physical barriers and community outreach programs, are being considered to curb the accessibility of scramblers in parks and residential areas.
As the crackdown continues, authorities are urging members of the public to report any instances of dangerous driving or illegal scrambler use.
Gardaí have assured the community that they are committed to making public spaces safer for everyone and will continue to monitor and adapt their enforcement strategies as needed.