Issue with e-scooters in Mayo's county town

THE use of e-scooters is becoming an issue in the county town.

There is a serious problem in housing estates and on footpaths, Councillor Ger Deere told a Castlebar Municipal District meeting. And it is also a problem on the greenway too.

The scooters are being used by youngsters and older people and someone is going to receive a serious injury, he warned. Some can travel up to 40kph.

Councillor Blackie Gavin said he knew of a case where an elderly resident in the middle of town was nearly knocked down.

Legislation around the regulation of e-scooters has come before the Oireachtas.

It is an effective form of transport, agreed Councillor Deere, but they are mechanically propelled vehicles, with no proper restrictions.

Councillor Deere suggested they may have to introduce by-laws if there is no legislation.