Taoiseach and Garda Commissioner Back Full E-Scooter Ban

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced he is leaning towards a full ban on the public use of e-scooters following a series of fatalities and growing public safety concerns. During Leaders’ Questions on July 14, Martin stated that the government is examining all regulatory options and exploring legislation to protect Gardaí during vehicle pursuits.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly reinforced this position on July 15 during testimony before the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, expressing his absolute support for an outright ban. Kelly argued that registration and licensing are not viable solutions because the vehicles are nearly impossible to insure. He further linked e-scooters to localized drug dealing, noting that criminals use them to evade police, and cited recent incidents where two officers were injured during interceptions.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized the government for failing to enforce existing laws, citing the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch and injuries to 14-year-old Jayden Deans. To support future policy decisions, the Minister for Health has requested a report from Children's Health Ireland regarding pediatric injuries caused by e-scooters. Local officials in Navan have also called for stricter prohibitions on powered scooters in public parks and on footpaths.