'We have to make noise about it'

Local councillor JP O’Meara’s motion on e-scooter legislation was passed at the January meeting of Tipperary Co Council.

Cllr O’Meara asked the council to write to the Minister for Transport seeking the introduction of legislation “to ensure the compulsory wearing of hi-visibility jackets by all e-scooter and e-bike users, in addition to the lights they are already compelled to have on same said vehicles”.

The Nenagh district councillor’s motion was broadly supported, with several speakers mentioning incidents they were aware of, including Cllr John Fitzgerald, who spoke of an elderly lady being knocked down by an e-scooter. She sustained a broken pelvis, shoulder and arm.

“Someone is going to be killed,” Cllr Fitzgerald warned. “We have to make noise about it.”

Cllr Willie Kennedy said the drivers of powered vehicles should have to have insurance. He believed pedal cyclists should also be obliged to wear hi-vis clothing.

Cllr Pat English spoke of youths around Clonmel on e-scooters in dark clothing and driving though red traffic lights. Cllr Michael Brennan spoke of children “playing chicken with cars” on e-scooters in Fethard. He did not think anyone under the age of 16 should be allowed have an e-scooter and he hoped Cllr O’Meara’s motion would lead to regulation.

Cllr Fiona Bonfield noted that the Government is looking at safety guidelines but questioned who would enforce them. Cllr O’Meara suggested that members of the Garda Reserve could play a role. He observed that the safety guidelines include the wearing of helmets.

The motion was to be referred to Minister Darragh O’Brien; Cllr O’Meara asked for it to be circulated to all of Ireland’s local authorities.