Louth County Council, supported by An Garda Síochána, held an awareness event at Aisling Park, Dundalk, recently to highlight the government’s announcement of new regulations banning the use of scrambler bikes and the prohibited use of e‑scooters in all public places.
The event provided an opportunity to highlight the changes to the law and reinforce key public safety messages. The launch was attended by elected members of Dundalk Municipal District, along with representatives from Louth County Council and An Garda Síochána.
The new legislation, which came into effect in April 2026, is known as Grace’s Law, in memory of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, who died after she was struck by a scrambler in Dublin in January, prohibits the use of scrambler bikes in all public places, including parks, green spaces, footpaths, roads, housing estates and other public amenities.
Separate legislation relating to the use of e-scooters came into effect in May 2024, stating that users must be aged 16 or over. Their use is prohibited in parks, green spaces, footpaths, pedestrianised areas, and other public amenities.
The measures are intended to improve safety and prevent serious injuries arising from the illegal and dangerous use of these vehicles.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This event will hopefully raise awareness about the need to protect our communities and ensure that public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone. Scrambler bikes and e-scooters being used illegally in parks and estates pose a real danger, particularly to children, older people and families. These new regulations provide vital clarity, and Louth County Council fully supports their enforcement in partnership with An Garda Síochána.”
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Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Louth County Council, said: “As we unfortunately saw with Grace Lynch, the misuse of scramblers and e-scooters can have a devastating impact. This campaign is about awareness, prevention and education. We are asking people to understand the law, the risks involved, and to make responsible choices that prioritise safety.”
Garda Ronan Loftus, Sergeant of the Community Policing Unit, Dundalk, said: “An Garda Síochána will continue to work closely with Louth County Council to enforce these regulations and to address illegal and dangerous behaviour involving scrambler bikes and e-scooters. Our priority is public safety, and we urge parents and guardians to consider the serious consequences - both legal and personal - of allowing these vehicles to be used inappropriately. People must educate themselves in relation to the use of these vehicles, and I would encourage people to visit the RSA website, which has all the information they need.”
Elias Milimba, Assistant Parks Superintendent with Louth County Council, highlighted the impact on public amenities: “The illegal use of scrambler bikes in parks and green spaces causes significant damage to grassed areas, walking routes and recreational facilities that are meant to be enjoyed by the whole community. This behaviour not only creates safety risks but also results in costly repairs and anti‑social disruption. Our parks are shared spaces - and protecting them is a key priority.”
Louth County Council and An Garda Síochána encourage members of the community to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and to report dangerous or illegal use of scrambler bikes and e-scooters in public places.
For more information, visit the Road Safety Authority website at www.rsa.ie
