Cabinet Approves Grace’s Law, Eyes Complete Ban on Scramblers

The Cabinet has approved legislation known as Grace’s Law, aimed at reducing the dangers associated with scrambler motorcycles. This new law considers a complete ban on the sale of scramblers to the general public, as authorities seek to address safety concerns following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch.

On January 25, 2023, Grace Lynch was killed after being struck by a scrambler while crossing the Ratoath Road in Finglas. In response to this tragedy, the government is looking at implementing an outright ban on the use of scramblers in public areas, including roads and parks. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien emphasized that the new regulations will simplify enforcement for An Garda Síochána, enabling them to seize any scrambler found in public spaces.

Under the proposed legislation, scramblers will only be permitted on private property, such as farms. The Roads Act 2023 already prohibits dangerous operation of scramblers, granting police the authority to seize these vehicles. While many scramblers are classified as off-road vehicles and are illegal on public roads, some have registration and insurance, allowing them to be used legally. Grace’s Law will eliminate this ambiguity, as Minister O’Brien stated, “if a scrambler is seen on a road in a park, at a playing pitch, it’s illegal, and they can be seized.”

Despite the new regulations, concerns remain regarding the capability of Gardaí to enforce these laws effectively. Detective Garda Mark Ferris, who operates in Finglas, previously highlighted the risks involved in pursuing scramblers, noting that “there is not a single Garda in the country who is trained or authorised to engage in a pursuit.” Minister O’Brien expressed confidence in the enforcement tools available to the Gardaí, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue in concentrated areas where scrambler use is prevalent.

The government is considering the possibility of licensing scramblers for sports clubs in the future, according to Roads Safety Minister Sean Canney. However, he did not rule out a complete ban on the import and sale of scramblers. He remarked, “at this stage, we’re looking at all of the issues…People are getting injured, people are frightened.”

When questioned about why these regulations were not included in the Road Safety Act passed in 2023, Minister O’Brien explained that the regulations were under review by the Departments of Justice and Transport and the Attorney General. He acknowledged that while the changes made since the Act were beneficial, they did not prevent the tragic incident that claimed Grace’s life.

As the government moves forward with Grace’s Law, the emphasis remains on enhancing public safety and ensuring that scramblers are kept off the roads. The legislation aims not only to clarify existing laws but also to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to tackle this ongoing issue effectively.