The illegal use of scrambler bikes is dangerously out of control in parts of Dublin’s north inner city and requires an emergency response from the Minister for Justice, according to Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis.
Deputy Ennis, who represents Dublin Central, was commenting after witnessing chaotic scenes in his constituency over the weekend involving up to eight scrambler and high-powered bikes.
“I was genuinely fearful for my own safety on Saturday evening as these bikes were driven recklessly across the north inner city, including on Buckingham Street, Sheriff Street, Foley Street and down as far as North Strand and Fairview.
“On one occasion, a bike almost collided with my car as the gang performed wheelies and other dangerous manoeuvres on public roads and in cycle lanes. This area was extremely busy after an All-Ireland semi-final match, which significantly heightened the public safety risk.
“Make no mistake – this is criminal behaviour, plain and simple. But when I went to Store Street Garda Station to report the matter, I was told by the desk that gardaí didn’t have the proper resources to respond.
“While Grace’s Law – introduced after teenager Grace Lynch was tragically killed by a scrambler bike in Finglas earlier this year – was a step in the right direction, it will be toothless unless gardaí receive the specialised training and resources they have been crying out for. This legislation bans scramblers from all public spaces, yet there is no evidence of proper enforcement of the new law.
“What I witnessed on Saturday evening comes just weeks after I raised the harrowing experience of Jayden Deans – a child with additional needs – who was knocked down on his way to the shops at the Five Lamps in the north inner city.
“This problem is not just confined to Dublin. Communities the length and breadth of the country are being plagued by the scourge of scrambler bikes. Even though I have been screaming about this issue for years, the situation is getting worse, not better.
“Along with my party’s justice spokesperson Gary Gannon TD, I am calling for an emergency response from the Government to tackle this unacceptable criminality on our streets, starting with a dedicated policing unit within An Garda Síochána, which must be fully resourced and underpinned by specialist training.
“Our communities cannot be left to fend for themselves as scramblers wreak havoc.”
July 13, 2026