Gardaí must provide training for e-scooter pursuits, says Ward

Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has called on the government to listen to the Gardas Representative Association’s (GRA) to provide training for scrambler and e-scooter pursuits following one of their members being injured by an e-scooter.

Deputy Ward was speaking following a recent hit and run incident where a teenager was hit by a scrambler near Amiens Street.

Teachta Ward said:

“Scramblers are a scourge on our communities. They have no place on our roads or in public spaces.

“Grace Lynch died in January of this year, after being hit by a scrambler. This came after years of calls for increased action against illegal scrambler use.

“Grace’s Law has been passed and there have been reports of an increased number of scrambler, quad bike and high powered e-scooter seizures. This is welcome, but more needs to be done. Grace’s family have said that the legislation was rushed and has not been implement fully.

“In the last two week, we have heard of a hit and run incident where a teenager with additional needs, Jayden Deans, was knocked down by a scrambler, near Amiens Street. He was left with tire marks on the back of leg which was seriously broken.

“There are still daily occurrences of illegal and dangerous scrambler and e-scooter usage on our streets and in our parks. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“The Garda Representative Association (GRA) have called for proper pursuit training following one of their members being injured by an e-scooter.

“The fact that this training is not already in place is shocking. Funding needs to be urgently provided for this. Government must engage with the Gardaí to ensure this is ready to roll out as soon as possible.

“A tactical framework for pursuits also needs to be developed. There have also been calls for legislative indemnity for Gardaí who do pursue scramblers and other high-powered vehicles. This is something that needs to be closely reviewed.

“Government needs to engage with Gardaí and the GRA to ensure that they have the proper funding and training to be able to pursue these dangerous drivers.

“The Justice Committee will be meeting to discuss the use of scrambler bikes and public safety on the 14^th of July. I will be highlighting these issues and calling for action.”