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Ban on scrambler bikes set to come into force next week

A close up picture of scrambler bike tyres
Darragh O'Brien said the legislation is aimed at banning the use of scramblers in all public places

A ban on the use of scrambler bikes in public spaces is set to come into force next week.

New regulations will be brought to the Cabinet for approval next Wednesday by the Minister for Transport.

Darragh O'Brien said the legislation is aimed at banning the use of scramblers in all public places, including on public roads and in public parks.

In January, 16-year-old Grace Lynch died after she was struck by scrambler in Finglas in Dublin.

Minister O’Brien said the new legislation will be known as Grace’s Law - in her memory and with the support of her parents, Siobhán and Martin.

Grace Lynch
The new leglisation will be known as Grace's Law in Grace Lynch's memory

He said: "I've remained in contact with Grace's family, with her mom and her dad, and I've kept them abreast of progress.

"They've been incredibly strong through this whole awful situation."

Work on the new regulations has been under way over the last few weeks, in the wake of Ms Lynch's death.

Minister O’Brien said there were "complexities around definitions" of scramblers.

"There wasn't an actual definition in Irish law of that type of vehicle," he said.

"So, we’ve had to do that work," he added.

The minister said he will have a final meeting with the Attorney General on Monday before bringing the legislation for approval to the Cabinet.

Mr O’Brien said he will sign the new regulations post-Cabinet, with the ban to "take effect by the end of next week".

"We’ve already liaised with An Garda Síochána," he said, adding "there will be a very short lead in time of one or two days".

"So, I want it in place next week," he said.

The minister said the stricter penalties for using a scrambler in a public place will be outlined after the regulations are passed.