Boy riding e-scooter hospitalised after crash with van minutes from where Grace Lynch died as Govt confirm scrambler ban

A TEEN riding an e-scooter was injured in a crash with a van last night in north Dublin.

The incident comes after Grace Lynch, 16, was killed by a scrambler bike while crossing a road in Finglas – around a 15 minute drive away from the location of the e-scooter collision.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene of the crash on Silloge Road in Ballymun at approximately 7.30pm.

The boy was rushed to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

No other injuries were reported and a garda spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Local People Before Profit Councillor Conor Reddy spoke out on social media last night after the incident.

Reddy said: “Shocked to hear of a serious accident involving an e-scooter in Ballymun tonight.

“I’m hoping there are no serious injuries but a week after Grace Lynch’s tragic death, this again shows how desperate the situation has gotten in communities like Finglas and Ballymun – action needed!”

The councillor called for legislation to be brought in as soon as possible to crack down on scramblers and e-scooter use.

He added that more investment is needed in community safety initiatives targeted at groups who use scramblers and e-scooters “recklessly”.

The news of another crash comes as the government rushes through ‘Grace’s Law’ to ban scramblers in public places.

Further regulations on e-scooters will be brought in along with the scrambler ban, the Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien told RTE Radio today.

And Minister for Road Safety Sean Canney told The Irish Sun that he wants to crack down on souped-up e-scooters which can travel at high speeds.

The Deputy said: “I would appeal to all parents to realise that if they buy an e-scooter for a child who is under 16 years of age, they’re breaking the law.

“They’re putting their child at risk and putting the general public at risk as well.”

TOTAL BAN

There is already existing legislation banning the use of most scramblers in public places – and the dangerous driving of the vehicles anywhere.

However, O’Brien is now proposing new regulations for a total ban on scrambler use in public spaces and to strengthen the enforcement powers of gardai.

It is intended to close any gaps where scrambler use may have been legal outside of off-road settings.

Part of the strengthened powers will be around the “disposal” of seized scramblers.

The ban will take several weeks, and ministers have proposed to increase the daily fees for seized vehicles in the interim.