The death of a 16 year old girl in Finglas following last night’s collision involving a scrambler bike is a devastating tragedy for her family, her friends and her community, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, who represents the Dublin North-West constituency.
Deputy Hearne said:
“I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of the young girl who was tragically killed in Finglas yesterday. The entire community is in shock at this devastating news.
“Dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters has scourged communities such as Finglas for far too long and it is up to all of us, as local elected representatives, to continue pushing for greater and swifter action on this.
“There has long been a need for a greater presence of community Gardaí in Finglas – the Dublin North division of the Dublin Metropolitan Region has 769 members of staff to cover a population area of approx 350,583, a ratio of 219 Gardaí per 100,000 people. The national average is 276 per 100,000, or 26% higher than in the Dublin North division.
“We need a strong visible presence of community gardai who can help prevent such terrible incidents.
“My thoughts are with all of those in the community affected by this tragedy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Councillor Daniel Ennis, who brought a motion before Dublin City Council calling on the Minister for Justice to urgently develop and implement a comprehensive, dedicated policing and policy plan to tackle the illegal use of scramblers on our streets, footpaths and in our parks, said:
“While these vehicles are already illegal to use in public spaces, there are clear gaps in how the law is being enforced on the ground. That is not good enough for families who just want their children to be able to walk to school or play in their local park without fear.
“What is needed now is a co-ordinated national response that gives Gardaí the tools and resources to take these bikes off the streets permanently – through effective seizure, follow-up enforcement and intelligence-led policing.
“That must be matched by serious investment in youth diversion, education and training, so that young people are offered real alternatives to dangerous and illegal behaviour.
“The government owes it to communities right across Dublin to act with urgency and determination to ensure this never happens again.”
January 26th, 2026