Mayo Roads SPC members warn of E-scooters 'epidemic'

Mayo County Council's Roads Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) has called for urgent Garda intervention to address what members described as an escalating E-scooter safety crisis on the county's footpaths and public spaces.

Cllr Damien Ryan led calls at the meeting for a Garda representative to attend the next SPC session to discuss enforcement powers, warning that the current situation poses a serious risk to pedestrians.

“Most people behave in a sensible manner, but there are some who use the footpaths and travel at ridiculous speeds on footpaths which are for pedestrian activity,” Cllr Ryan told the meeting. “It's only a matter of time until we have serious fatalities if it's allowed to continue. At the end of the day, it is an enforcement issue.”

Proactive approach
The councillor said he had already raised the matter with the Minister for Justice on last week, asking him to bring it to the attention of the Garda Commissioner. However, he stressed the need for local action, proposing that the committee take a proactive approach.

“We need to look at what needs to be done to beef up the legislation and to have it reinforced,” Cllr Ryan said. “I think it would be important that we hear from An Garda Síochána as regards what their view is in relation to what powers may be needed to assist them in enforcing what has become an epidemic, to be honest.”

SPC member Christy Hyland supported the call for action, advocating for new powers to allow Gardaí to seize E-scooters from those breaking the rules.

“We can't have a garda at every crossroads but you can bring in new powers,” Mr Hyland said, predicting increased problems over the Christmas period. “Over Christmas there will be a lot more E-scooters, especially with the youngsters and under 16s.”
Cllr Annie May Reape shared her concerns about underage use of E-cooters in Ballina, despite existing age restrictions.

“I think E-scooters are the most awful things ever introduced,” Cllr Reape said. “Despite an age limit being in place, it is the under 16s that are using them and they are on the footpaths in Ballina.”

Dangerous behaviour
Cllr Reape recounted witnessing dangerous behaviour firsthand, describing an incident where a pedestrian was nearly knocked down. “They couldn't care less who is on the footpath. I saw a lady almost knocked down and I said, 'Look what you've done.' And of course I got the two finger sign, they have no respect for anybody. I would actually abolish them altogether.”

The committee is now expected to formally invite An Garda Síochána to address members at their next meeting to discuss potential solutions and enforcement strategies.

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