Gardaí arrest two in Grand Canal Greenway crackdown

A major Garda operation targeting crime along one of Dublin’s busiest commuter routes has led to arrests, seizures and a series of coordinated raids across the west of the city.

Officers carried out a high intensity policing operation along the Grand Canal Greenway today, focusing on a stretch between Killeen Road in Dublin 10 and Grangecastle in Dublin 22.

The Greenway has become a vital artery for walkers, runners and commuters using bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters, but it has also been the scene of a number of recent hijacking incidents involving electric vehicles.

In response, Gardaí have stepped up activity in the area in recent weeks, combining covert surveillance with proactive patrols aimed at identifying those involved.

Today’s operation marked a significant escalation.

Gardaí executed 10 search warrants at homes in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Kilmainham and Lucan as part of a coordinated crackdown linked to ongoing investigations.

During the searches, officers seized two electric bicycles believed to be stolen, along with two e-scooters suspected of being used in robberies.

Gardaí also recovered three electric bicycle batteries that had their serial numbers removed, as well as electronic devices considered to have evidential value and a bank card believed to be stolen.

Two juveniles were arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West.

The operation forms part of a broader strategy under Operation Meacán, a targeted initiative designed to tackle the growing use of electric vehicles in organised and opportunistic crime.

Gardaí say these vehicles, particularly high powered e-motorcycles and modified e-bikes, are increasingly being used in criminal activity, including drug dealing, money laundering, the transportation of firearms and incidents linked to drug related intimidation.

The multi unit operation brought together Serious Crime South detective units and the Crime Task Force, supported by community engagement teams based in Clondalkin, reflecting what Gardaí describe as a collaborative and intelligence led approach.

The focus on the Grand Canal Greenway highlights growing concerns about safety along routes that are heavily used by the public on a daily basis.

While the path remains a key piece of cycling and walking infrastructure, recent incidents have raised fears among regular users.

Gardaí have indicated that further operations are likely as investigations continue and efforts intensify to disrupt those using electric vehicles to carry out criminal acts.