New regulations will close any gaps where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings, and enhance Garda powers of seizure to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads.

The Road Traffic Act 1961 already provides that mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said: “These new regulations will help to bring additional legal clarity to the existing position that scramblers are banned for use on the road in almost all cases.

“We owe it to Grace Lynch, her family and her friends to introduce regulations to further restrict the inappropriate use of scramblers in public places as a matter of urgency.

“We call on all scrambler users to obey the laws that are designed to ensure the safety of everyone. We ask family members to speak with those in their lives who may ride scramblers illegally.

“Using off-road scramblers on roads is already illegal, and gardaí have the necessary enforcement powers to intervene based on existing legislation.”

Seán Canney, minister of state with responsibility for road safety, added: “The new regulations will build on the existing legislative position and give clarity to the gardaí in relation to the use of scramblers in public places.

“It should be noted that most scramblers already cannot be used legally in public places, and none can legally be driven dangerously anywhere.

“An Garda Síochana already has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, and they can also enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact.

“These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers have been seized.”