E-scooter ban in Limerick 'will lead to more cars on the road'

A LIMERICK councillor has warned that banning e-scooters from the metropolitan district will lead to heavier traffic on the roads.

Elisa O’Donovan of Social Democrats was reacting to a call from Labour’s Joe Leddin to in effect outlaw the use of the vehicles across urban Limerick.

He wants council to bring in a by-law that prohibits the use of the vehicle on public roads, footpaths and open spaces within the metropolitan district. 

It was agreed that a letter will be sent requesting this to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

The call comes against the backdrop of the Government planning to up the minimum age of an e-scooter rider to 18 years-of-age, plus making helmets and high-visibility clothing compulsory. It follows a sharp increase to injuries of youngsters on e-scooters.

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Councillor Leddin does not think the reforms go far enough, however.

"We cannot have a guard on every corner. I do not think the proposed new legislation and restrictions on the use of e-scooters will impact,” he told this month’s metropolitan district meeting.

Fianna Fail councillor Fergus Kilcoyne seconded his motion to write to Mr O’Callaghan.

"I had someone last week who rang me, out for his evening walk. There were two people up on a scooter and the second guy took a swing at him because he gave out about them,” he said.

But there was pushback on the motion from Social Democrats councillor O’Donovan, her party colleague, Cllr Shane Hickey O’Mara and Independent councillor Ursula Gavan who said they could not support an all-out ban.

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"If people stop commuting and getting around by e-scooters, we will have more cars on the road, more traffic. They are a really practical way for people to get around, and I think it’s an important transport option for people who either do not have a car or cannot afford a car,” said Cllr O’Donovan.

Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said a ban is a “really regressive and unenforceable action".

Cllr Gavan added many shift workers would lose out.

"You do not see the benefit until you’re collecting late at night from Dunnes when the shift ends and you see 10 to 15 scooters coming out. It’s the only mode of transport many have," she said.