Carlow-Kilkenny TD Catherine Callaghan is demanding a strict crackdown on illegal vehicle use to protect local communities, following an emotional Oireachtas Justice Committee meeting.
The committee heard heartbreaking calls for a complete ban on e-scooters following the tragic death of teenager Grace Lynch.
During the session, Deputy Callaghan questioned the Garda Commissioner regarding the growing dangers of micromobility vehicles following a series of recent fatal accidents in Carlow.
Throwing his full weight behind the calls for an outright ban, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly stated that society would be significantly safer without the vehicles on public roads.
“My view on e-scooters: we would be better off as a society without them,” Commissioner Kelly told the committee.
“It’s my job as the Garda Commissioner not to look at everything, but just to look at the public safety element of it. And my view from a public safety element, and as the Garda Commissioner, I certainly agree with some of the others calling for a ban on them.”
Commissioner Kelly acknowledged that legislators have broader socioeconomic factors to weigh up, but stressed that senior Garda leadership is completely united on the safety risks.
“I do appreciate there’s wider elements to consider on it, but again, that’s the view—my view—and the view is shared by our senior team.”
