Waterford council urged to introduce local rules for E-Scooters - We are WLR FM

Waterford City and County Council has faced renewed calls to introduce local by-laws to regulate e-scooter use, following safety concerns raised at a recent plenary meeting.

Councillors discussed whether the local authority should use its existing powers to address gaps in national e-scooter rules and improve safety for pedestrians and road users.

The call’s come as two people tragically lost their lives in e-scooter accidents in Waterford in recent months.

Safety and Enforcement Concerns

E-scooters became legal on Irish roads in April 2024, but councillors said recent accidents and near misses show that current rules fall short.

Councillors highlighted particular confusion around shared surfaces. These areas allow both pedestrians and cyclists, but national legislation does not clearly state whether e-scooters can use them.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Éamon Quinlan said the lack of clarity risks undermining safety rules, particularly where wide footpaths and shared surfaces appear identical.

E-scooters remain banned from footpaths and permitted in cycle lanes. Councillors warned that the lack of clarity makes enforcement difficult and increases safety risks.

Council Executive Position

Gabriel Hynes, Director of Services for Roads with the local authority said the council does not plan to draft by-laws at this time.

He said changes to e-scooter rules should come from the Road Safety Authority rather than individual councils. He confirmed the council will raise the issue with the RSA.

The executive also declined to seek a legal opinion on the council’s power to regulate e-scooters through by-laws.

Calls for Local Action

Some councillors argued the council already regulates road use through parking rules and traffic restrictions and could apply similar controls to e-scooters.

They said local by-laws could restrict e-scooter use near schools, nursing homes and other sensitive areas, where safety concerns arise.