Gardaí using e-motorbikes to pursue thugs on scramblers being considered as Grace Lynch's parents meet Tánaiste
Electric motorbikes for gardaí to pursue thugs on scramblers are being considered as the parents of tragic teen Grace Lynch are demanding further change.The 16-year-old’s heartbroken parents Siobhan and Martin are meeting Tánaiste Simon Harris today with a list of demands to stop the scourge of scramblers. In January, Grace died after a scrambler struck her while she was walking across a pedestrian crossing on the Ratoath Road in Finglas, Dublin.Following tireless work from her heartbroken parents Siobhan and Martin, Grace’s Law came into effect in April. The legislation banned the use of scrambler bikes in all public places. However, the parents have said the dangerous vehicles are still a massive issue in Finglas - and just last month their young son was almost knocked down by one.Siobhan and Martin will demand from the Tánaiste today that gardaí are given tactical pursuit training for scramblers and updated vehicles for this purpose, such as the electric motorcycles used by police forces in the UK.These are high-performance electric motorcycles that are being used there to successfully pursue, track and intercept illegal scramblers.Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien met with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly last Friday to discuss Grace’s Law, where the Commissioner said there has been a "significant increase" in the number of scramblers being seized in recent months.They also explored new technologies which could be used to expand enforcement action, which is understood to include these electric motorcycles and drones. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan have assured Grace’s parents that gardaí do have the powers to properly pursue scramblers.However, Siobhan and Martin will bring a letter to the Tánaiste today from a member of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) outlining their beliefs on the lack of training they have received. They are also looking for members of An Garda Siochána to have a second working driving license so they aren’t deterred from pursuing scramblers for fear of repercussions.Two months after Grace’s death, Garda Sean Shields was barred from driving for two years after he chased two masked men on scrambler bikes in an incident that was deemed to be dangerous driving. Grace’s parents are also calling on the Government to implement a communications campaign on the dangers of scramblers.They want a television advertisement and an education programme in all primary and secondary schools to be implemented. Siobhan and Martin said they will also be making the Tánaiste, who is also the Finance Minister, aware of the "lack of regulations" regarding the sale of scramblers.Martin said: "We require clarification about how these dealers are registered and described for tax purposes and I have a list of some dealers and advertisement platforms which I will provide who are selling/advertising illegal bikes openly and I will ask the Tánaiste to have their activities investigated."The lack of registration requirements for these vehicles and the loophole being abused by dealers and sale sites is too reckless to continue and needs to be addressed by the Government."The heartbroken parents are also calling for stricter bail laws and sentencing in cases where a person has been killed. They want ankle bracelets for offenders on bail to also be introduced to free up garda time and increase patrolling and visibility.Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
