700. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No.380 on 30 April 2026, if he has received the necessary information from Garda authorities to answer this PQ. [45744/26]

I understand that Parliamentary Question No 380 of 30 April sought a report on Garda Operation Meacán, and the number of e-scooters and e-bikes seized under the operation to date.

Operation Meacán is a dedicated Garda operation that targets the use of these vehicles in criminal activity within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and this year over 100 scrambler motorbikes, e-scooters, e-bikes and quad bikes have been seized as part of this operation. Gardaí gather intelligence at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate and, through various media and social media platforms, highlight the dangers associated with the misuse of e-scooters and similar vehicles.

Operation Meacán seizures are mainly the result of dedicated ‘Days of Action’ within the DMR where Gardaí will search properties on foot of a warrant. Gardaí also engage in checkpoints as part of the operation, notably on 1 May when Gardaí from North Central Bridewell Community Engagement Area conducted a Day of Action during which six high powered e-bikes and e-scooters were seized by Gardaí from individuals driving in a dangerous manner on public roads and pedestrianized streets.

In addition to operation Meacán I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters. Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters and other such vehicles.  The below table provides the number of incidents where such vehicles were seized or detained, nationally by vehicle type, by year.

The above figures are not exclusive to Operation Meacán.

These figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2026, inclusive. Figures for ‘seized or detained’ above are for those vehicles seized or detained under the incident types of ‘Vehicle Detained’, ‘Vehicle Detained Under Sec 41’ and ‘Property Seized'.

The information includes incidents where more than one vehicle was detained or seized. All information above is based upon operational data from the Fixed Charge Processing System and PULSE system and is liable to change.