It comes as Government have introduced new rules which come into effect in August
The Vice President of the Garda Representative Association has called for increased support for Gardaí amid new e-scooter rules that have been announced.
It comes as Government have introduced new rules which come into effect in August, meaning that users must be 18-years-old, and wear a high-vis jacket and a helmet.
This will also be followed by them to be insured, taxed and registered on the road like other mechanically propelled vehicles.
Speaking on Kildare Today, Vice President of the GRA and Kildare Garda John Joe O' Connell said members are worried about pursuing those on e-scooters:
"We need that protection for our members, it is in the back of their minds, they're thinking 'if something happens here, I'm in bother'."
"There are larger e-scooters, we are dealing with e-scooters in this country hitting speeds in excess of 60km/h or 70km/h, why can't an idea be brought in that those that cant legally be on the road are crushed and destroyed, it might send out a message."
These are not cheap, they [the kids] are not buying them, it's the parents, and I would question a lot of those parents."
He added that talks of an outright ban wouldn't align with the views of the GRA:
"It's easy pull the pin on a grenade on an outright ban and go on holidays for two months. We're not looking for an outright ban anyway, if that's what comes out of discussions, then so be it, I just think we need robust reaction to this.The GRA has been flagging this over the last two years."
Garda O' Connell also criticised the training provided to members when it comes to pursuit of those in vehicles:
"There's not one member of An Garda Síochána who is trained to pursue any vehicle in this country, never mind an e-scooter, it's basic enough stuff. Any legislation that comes in to improve the situation is welcome, but you need to protect the protectors in doing their job.
We're looking for that protection, we need it now."
The full interview can be heard below:
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