How many fines have been issued for e-scooter use in Limerick?
Legislation introduced in May 2024
LIMERICK gardai have issued just 38 fixed charge notices to people using e-scooters dangerously or unlawfully.
The figures revealed in Dail Eireann by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan show Limerick has among the lowest number of these charges across the State.
E-scooter legislation was introduced on May 20, 2024, and up to the end of April this year, some 1,694 charge notices have been issued under this legislation.
A €50 fine – increased if not paid within 28 days – can be issued for various offences, including carrying a passenger, exceeding a 20 kilometre-per-hour speed limit, and using footpaths rather than the carriageway.
According to the statistics, requested by Dublin TD Mark Ward, Limerick has the lowest number of fines issued in terms of cities across the State.
The 38 fines represent those imposed across the whole of the Limerick garda division – which covers both the city and county and parts of south-east Clare in the environs of Limerick city.
In Cork City, there were 48 fines issued between May 2024 and April this year, with 25 in Cork county.
In Galway, 81 charges fixed charge notices were issued. Waterford and Kilkenny's figures were provided together, with 94 fines in total. Across Dublin’s six garda divisions, there were a total of 763 fixed charge notices issued relating to e-scooters.
Earlier this year, garda Superintendent Andrew Lacey wrote to school principals amid concerns over youngsters riding e-scooters in the city. He warned officers may seize scooters "to protect young people and our community”.
“Education and awareness will help prevent breaches of the law, reduce risk of injury and support a safe school commute for all our stakeholders,” Supt Lacey stated in the letter.
Under the law, children aged under 16 are not permitted to use e-scooters. Rather than issuing fixed charge notices, gardaí dealing with underage riders are more likely to seize the scooter and involve the child's parents or guardians.