Grace's Law to ban scrambler bikes on Irish roads from Friday

The late Grace Lynch, who died after being hit by a scrambler bike in Dublin. File picture

Scrambler bikes will be outlawed on Irish roads and in public places from Friday, as part of plans to be discussed by Cabinet on Wednesday.

The Government confirmed in February that it would ban the use of the bikes in public places following the tragic death of Finglas teenager Grace Lynch in January.

Following her death, it transpired that a regulation to ban scramblers in public places had never been enacted, despite being legislated for as part of the Road Traffic Act 2023.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien will bring new regulations to Cabinet on Wednesday, introducing an explicit ban on the use of scramblers in all public places.

Under these measures, to be known as Grace’s Law, the use of scramblers will be clearly defined as an offence.

Meanwhile, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan will seek approval to expand the Criminal Asset Bureau’s (CAB) powers to seize cryptocurrency. They will ensure CAB can seize this “contemporary form” of criminal property through enhanced powers of search, seizure, and detention.

New access orders to compel the disclosure of credentials necessary to obtain effective control are also contained in the amendments.

Elsewhere, housing minister James Browne will inform colleagues on details of a new ‘vacant above the shop’ grant and additional supports to boost the conversion of spaces above commercial premises into homes across the country.

It was unclear on Tuesday  whether plans to exempt garden cabins of up to 45sq m and other developments from having to obtain planning permission would be discussed at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will seek sign-off on a new dedicated task force, which will be charged with empowering the future development and growth of Cork.

As reported by the Irish Examiner earlier this week, it will review the City Centre Development and Operations Action Plan 2025-2030 and report back to Government on progress, and any barriers to progress.

Infrastructure minister Jack Chambers will seek Cabinet approval to publish the Critical Infrastructure Bill. Under the new laws, Government will be able to designate specific projects which are in the national and public interest as critical infrastructure.

These projects can then jump to the top of the queue at each stage of the project approval and delivery cycle.

The Oireachtas infrastructure committee has agreed to waive pre-legislative scrutiny, which will accelerate the bill’s passage through the legislative process, with the intention of enacting the laws before summer recess.

Mr Chambers is also expected to update Cabinet on the introduction of the digital wallet, which will be used as part of Ireland’s age verification for social media platforms. This will include details of a public consultation to understand what people want the wallet to contain, as well as allowing people to sign up for further testing.