A Dublin City Councillor has said he would like to see rickshaws banned, following the death of a young mother of two. 

On September 26th, Newry woman Danielle O’Keane attended a Westlife concert in the 3Arena and decided to get in a rickshaw. 

After a crash, she was taken to the Mater Hospital but died on 1st October. 

Dublin City Council has since passed a motion, calling for the regulation of rickshaws to prevent further deaths. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Fine Gael’s Danny Byrne said he extended his sympathy to Ms O’Keane’s family, adding that he also did not want to “prejudge” the Garda investigation currently underway. 

“Anyone getting on a rickshaw around Dublin would have a legitimate expectation that that would be a safe mode of transport,” he said. 

“I do not believe it's a safe mode of transport.

“There's legislation sitting there for almost 10 years that was supposed to regulate rickshaws, and it hasn't been commenced. 

“So, I'm calling on the Government to immediately commence that legislation.” 

The South-East Inner City Councillor continued that all motorised rickshaws need to be licensed and insured like cars and motorbikes. 

When asked whether these extra costs could put some drivers out of business, Cllr Byrne said he did not care. 

“To be honest, their costs are not my concern,” he said. 

“My [concerns] are the safety of the citizens of Dublin.”

Cllr Byrne added that while the concept of rickshaws “sound good”, the reality is that they are a very dangerous mode of transport. 

“Personally, I would look for a ban on them completely,” he said. 

"I'm not a fan - similarly with e-scooters. 

“I just don't think they're safe, they're also probably being used for other reasons rather than carrying passengers as well.” 

So far, 144 people have died on Ireland’s roads this year - 16 more than in the same period in 2025.

People wishing to donate to the crowdfunder to support Ms O'Keane's young family can do so here.

Main image: Danielle O'Keane. Picture by: GoFundMe.