A new initiative aimed at promoting the safe use of e-scooters, e-bikes and motorbikes while at the same time reducing anti-social behaviour is set to be officially launched in Waterford.
'Kickstarting the Community' is a community-led awareness, education and rehabilitation programme.
The programme was developed in response to local residents raising safety concerns about the use of electric scooters in their communities.
Those behind the project have said it centres on the delivery of "practical, hands-on workshop training" led by former world-ranked Waterford motorbike racer Hilton Hincks.
The multi-agency initiative is co-ordinated by the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, which received over €70,000 in funding from the Department of Justice for its role out.
The initiative, which started out as a pilot programme, will be officially launched at Treo Port Lairge’s premises in Waterford this morning.
There have previously been a number of incidents in Waterford involving e-scooters in which young people have died or been seriously injured.
The programme was initially rolled out to people who were selected to be a participant through organisations such as youth groups.
However, this will now be expanded to see the programme offered to the likes of transition year students in secondary school and in other new settings on a larger scale.
Those behind the initiative have also said it is the first of its kind in the country to specifically target the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and motorbikes.
Treo Port Lairge is a community based organisation that works with young people from the age of 16 in Waterford city and county.
It aims to facilitate more positive lifestyle choices by its participants, reduce their criminal activity and encouraging them to progress to further education, training and employment.
The new e-scooter programme is also being delivered in collaboration with Waterford based gardaí, Waterford City & County Council, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, the Probation Service, Youth Diversion Projects, the Road Safety Authority, and other local community groups.
Chairperson of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership and former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Seán Aylward has said the project will help to address local safety and security concerns.
He said: "This is a timely initiative with real benefits for young people and the wider community. Participants get the chance to reset their choices, live safer lives and learn how to enjoy motorbikes and e-scooters without endangering themselves or others."
"Our message to participants is enjoy your life but be safe, sensible and respect other road users and pedestrians. There is a whole world of training and work opportunities out there for you to explore right now," Mr Aylward added.
Meanwhile, Danny Murphy, CEO of Treo Port Lairge, said the initiative marks a "significant step forward" in promoting safer choices for young people.
He said: "We are addressing concerns around dangerous driving while giving young people the confidence and knowledge to make responsible decisions. Road safety is about protecting lives and fostering respect in our communities."
Local Community Safety Partnerships aim to bring together local councillors, gardaí and residents as well as representatives from community and voluntary based organisations.
They replaced the old Joint Policing Committee system with the new structure aimed at giving residents and businesses more of a role.
