New legislation on e-scooters a positive development for commuters and climate action – Farrell

New legislation on e-scooters is a positive development for commuters and for our fight against climate change, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, was speaking as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, announced in the Dáil that a new Miscellaneous Provisions Bill will deal with e-scooters.

Deputy Farrell said, “I welcome the news that Minister Ryan plans to introduce a Miscellaneous Provisions Bill in the coming weeks that will address the urgent need for legislation with respect to e-scooters.

“Regularising these vehicles, of which there are many already on our streets, will provide modern and sustainable transport options for people getting from A to B.

“I have been working on a Private Members Bill in this area designed to legislate for e-scooters and regularise e-bikes. Though not included in the winter legislative program, I am pleased that my work, and the work of other members of the Oireachtas, including former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, has contributed to us getting to this stage where new legislation is coming from Government.

“Many European countries have already introduced legislation for e-scooters and for too long this issue has been avoided here in Ireland.

“By regulating these vehicles, we can make them safer for both drivers and other road users. This, I believe, will encourage people to consider e-scooters as a viable commuter option that will allow them to leave their cars at home. This could play a significant role in our overall climate action strategy with its ambitious emissions reduction targets.

“This Government and its predecessor committed to creating a modern transport network that supports clean modes of navigating our towns and cities. Significant funding has been secured in Budget 2021 to improve our cycle network, which will also be used by e-scooters following legislation in this area.”