The Junior Minister for Transport has said he does not know how many confiscated scrambler bikes have been returned to their owners. 

Three years ago, the Road Traffic and Roads Act introduced restrictions on the use of scrambler bikes on public roads, empowering Gardaí to seized them.

Since the legislation, the Department of Transport estimates over 400 scrambler bikes have been confiscated. 

Following the death of teenager Grace Lynch last month, who was hit by a scrambler bike, the Government has promised further restrictions. 

Grace Lynch.

The legislation will be called ‘Grace’s Law’ and Cabinet was briefed on the proposals this morning.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has promised the public that it is “is going to happen”. 

Scrambler bikes

On Newstalk Breakfast, Minister of State Seán Canney said confiscated scrambler bikes should not be returned to their owners. 

 “The other part of the regulation will be in the area when they confiscate it and whether people can get them back or not,” he said. 

“Whether they would be destroyed or how people would get them back. 

“We want to get them off the roads and that is the imperative here for Government and that's what we're doing today.” 

Flowers in memory of Grace Lynch. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie.

Of the 400 scrambler bikes seized by Gardaí, Minister Canney said he is unaware how many have been returned to their owners. 

However, he promised Grace’s Law would change that. 

“People can apply to the courts to get them back after an incident and a court case is finished,” he explained. 

“They can apply and pay a fine and get them back.

“We do need to strengthen the law to make sure that no scrambler is in our public roads or public car parks. 

“It is important to say that there are communities who will tell you around the country, but especially in Dublin, that there are scramblers running around in areas where they shouldn't be.” 

Following the death of Grace, thousands of people in Finglas attended a memorial march in her memory. 

Addressing those in attendance, Siobhán Gifford Lynch, said she was experiencing the “worst pain imaginable”.

“I will fight to get these scramblers and scooters and everything off these streets,” she promised. 

“And with everyone’s support we’ll get petitions signed, we will get this in the name of Grace.”

So far, 11 people have died on Ireland's road this year.

Main image: A Garda with confiscated scrambler bikes. Picture by: An Garda Síochána.