07/07/2026
Call For Dedicated Garda Unit To Curb Scrambler Menace
Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis says enforcement of Grace's Law is falling short as inner-city residents face escalating intimidation from scrambler bikes.
Warning that communities are being forced to cope alone with dangerous scrambler activity, Dublin Central TD Daniel Ennis has renewed calls for a specialist Garda unit to crack down on offenders and properly implement existing legislation.
Deputy Ennis, who represents the Dublin Central constituency, said: "Last week, I shared the harrowing experience of Jayden Deans, a child with additional needs who was knocked down by a scrambler on his way to the shop at the Five Lamps in Dublin's North Inner City, with the Taoiseach.
"Jayden suffered serious injuries in the hit-and-run, and not only that, his family were circled and intimidated by another group on scramblers as they tried to make sure he was ok. This lawless incident is emblematic of the failure to address the scrambler scourge which has plagued our communities for decades now.
"Grace's Law was a step forward, but the legislation is nothing but a paper tiger if enforcement measures are not put in place by the Gardaí. Those who use scramblers to terrorise Dubliners will not be deterred by a talking shop, only action.
"The Taoiseach has pointed out that over 1000 scramblers have been seized, but many of those bikes are linked to criminal gangs and activity – the scramblers are just as quickly being replaced as they are being seized.
"I raised this issue on Dublin City Council in September 2025, asking for an emergency response to this crisis. I received no response from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan on the matter at the time.
"The Taoiseach must now ensure that a dedicated policing unit is set up to put Grace's Law into practice before we see more people injured or killed. Right now, the Gardaí are under-resourced and cannot take control of the situation."
Warning that communities are being forced to cope alone with dangerous scrambler activity, Dublin Central TD Daniel Ennis has renewed calls for a specialist Garda unit to crack down on offenders and properly implement existing legislation.
Deputy Ennis, who represents the Dublin Central constituency, said: "Last week, I shared the harrowing experience of Jayden Deans, a child with additional needs who was knocked down by a scrambler on his way to the shop at the Five Lamps in Dublin's North Inner City, with the Taoiseach.
"Grace's Law was a step forward, but the legislation is nothing but a paper tiger if enforcement measures are not put in place by the Gardaí. Those who use scramblers to terrorise Dubliners will not be deterred by a talking shop, only action.
"The Taoiseach has pointed out that over 1000 scramblers have been seized, but many of those bikes are linked to criminal gangs and activity – the scramblers are just as quickly being replaced as they are being seized.
"I raised this issue on Dublin City Council in September 2025, asking for an emergency response to this crisis. I received no response from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan on the matter at the time.
"The Taoiseach must now ensure that a dedicated policing unit is set up to put Grace's Law into practice before we see more people injured or killed. Right now, the Gardaí are under-resourced and cannot take control of the situation."
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Fianna Fáil have proposed a new Bill that could see parents who buy scramblers for underage children facing a fine of up to €5,000. The new Bill would also give Garda the power to seize and destroy scramblers and quad bikes used in anti-social manner. Twenty seven children and 12 adults died in scrambler related incidents between 2014 and 2017.
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Fianna Fáil have proposed a new Bill that could see parents who buy scramblers for underage children facing a fine of up to €5,000. The new Bill would also give Garda the power to seize and destroy scramblers and quad bikes used in anti-social manner. Twenty seven children and 12 adults died in scrambler related incidents between 2014 and 2017.
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