Menu
11/12/2019
E-Scooters Report Must Be Published - FG
The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, has been urged to publish the results of a public consultation on e-scooters.
Making the call, Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, said: "It's two years since I first raised this with the Minister in the Dáil. At the time, he said no new laws were needed initially.
"Eventually he agreed to ask the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to commission a report: that report was clear, and showed most other western nations have adapted a framework of laws in relation to these vehicles. Yet, we still have no laws on them in Ireland.
"The recent conviction of a young man for using an e-scooter puts this issue into stark focus again. He now has 5 penalty points and a €300 fine We need updated laws, and we need them now."
Deputy Rock, speaking at the launch of a new trial of an e-scooter scheme on the main campus of DCU in the heart of his constituency, continued: "E-scooters are here, and they are here to stay. They are environmentally friendly, help to ease congestion, and are a sustainable form of transport that could complement our existing public transport infrastructure.
"I'm glad to see DCU play a leading role here – it reflects the innovative, future-focussed University I've been dealing with for the last 4 years and it's great to have them at the heart of Dublin North West."
Deputy Rock added: "These scooters, developed between a new technology consortium, Luna, based on DCU's technology campus and Blue Duck Scooters, have hardware far more advanced than the GPS we know, which allows real time tracking of the scooters to a sub-centimetre level. This is a vital advancement in terms of safety, and in terms of allowing Dublin City to, in the future, set very rigid rules for usage of these scooters which can be properly enforced.
"By the looks of it, the technology will be able to tell you for example if somebody has used a scooter on a cycle lane for the entire journey, for instance: this is important as nobody wants to see them used on footpaths."
Deputy Rock concluded: "The law needs to catch up with the times, and the Minister needs to kickstart that process."
(MH/JG)
Making the call, Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, said: "It's two years since I first raised this with the Minister in the Dáil. At the time, he said no new laws were needed initially.
"Eventually he agreed to ask the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to commission a report: that report was clear, and showed most other western nations have adapted a framework of laws in relation to these vehicles. Yet, we still have no laws on them in Ireland.
"The recent conviction of a young man for using an e-scooter puts this issue into stark focus again. He now has 5 penalty points and a €300 fine We need updated laws, and we need them now."
Deputy Rock, speaking at the launch of a new trial of an e-scooter scheme on the main campus of DCU in the heart of his constituency, continued: "E-scooters are here, and they are here to stay. They are environmentally friendly, help to ease congestion, and are a sustainable form of transport that could complement our existing public transport infrastructure.
"I'm glad to see DCU play a leading role here – it reflects the innovative, future-focussed University I've been dealing with for the last 4 years and it's great to have them at the heart of Dublin North West."
Deputy Rock added: "These scooters, developed between a new technology consortium, Luna, based on DCU's technology campus and Blue Duck Scooters, have hardware far more advanced than the GPS we know, which allows real time tracking of the scooters to a sub-centimetre level. This is a vital advancement in terms of safety, and in terms of allowing Dublin City to, in the future, set very rigid rules for usage of these scooters which can be properly enforced.
"By the looks of it, the technology will be able to tell you for example if somebody has used a scooter on a cycle lane for the entire journey, for instance: this is important as nobody wants to see them used on footpaths."
Deputy Rock concluded: "The law needs to catch up with the times, and the Minister needs to kickstart that process."
(MH/JG)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
03 May 2019
Regulation Urgently Needed Before E-Scooters Are Re-Introduced To Dublin
The re-introduction of e-assist bicycles and electric scooters in Dublin highlights the urgent need for a proper regulatory framework for the safe use of the devices. Fianna Fáil made the call following the news that LimeBike, part of the Uber organisation, is currently working to establish a presence in Dublin.
Regulation Urgently Needed Before E-Scooters Are Re-Introduced To Dublin
The re-introduction of e-assist bicycles and electric scooters in Dublin highlights the urgent need for a proper regulatory framework for the safe use of the devices. Fianna Fáil made the call following the news that LimeBike, part of the Uber organisation, is currently working to establish a presence in Dublin.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
18 May 2017
100 Serving And Retired Garda To Take Part In 'Four Peak Challenge'
A group of 100 serving and retired members of An Garda Síochána are to take part in a 'Four Peak Mountain Challenge' this month. The aim of the challenge is to promote mental health awareness within the organisation and in the wider community, while also hoping to raise much needed funds for the Charity Aware.
100 Serving And Retired Garda To Take Part In 'Four Peak Challenge'
A group of 100 serving and retired members of An Garda Síochána are to take part in a 'Four Peak Mountain Challenge' this month. The aim of the challenge is to promote mental health awareness within the organisation and in the wider community, while also hoping to raise much needed funds for the Charity Aware.
09 July 2013
Investigation Launched Into Apartment Complex Fire
A gardai investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire at an apartment complex in Clondalkin, west Dublin. Residents reported a fire at the Thornfield Square Apartments on Watery Lane at around 5am on Tuesday morning. The fire brigade and ambulance service attended the scene, with a number of residents evacuated from the building.
Investigation Launched Into Apartment Complex Fire
A gardai investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire at an apartment complex in Clondalkin, west Dublin. Residents reported a fire at the Thornfield Square Apartments on Watery Lane at around 5am on Tuesday morning. The fire brigade and ambulance service attended the scene, with a number of residents evacuated from the building.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
