In a statement, the NTA explained that public transport operators across the country, including buses and trains, will enforce the ban. This rule applies even to foldable e-scooters. However, it does not affect e-bikes or mobility scooters, which will still be allowed. The NTA clarified that these types of vehicles have been regulated for a longer period and their batteries do not pose the same level of risk.

Safety Concerns and International Incidents

One of the main concerns about e-scooters is the position of their batteries, which are located on the platform and more vulnerable to damage. This, combined with their relatively recent introduction to the market in Ireland, raises safety concerns. The NTA noted that fires involving e-scooters have already occurred on public transport systems in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Similar bans are already in place in several European cities such as Berlin, Barcelona, and across the UK.

The ban will affect all public transport services that operate under the NTA, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Luas, and other regional services. It will be up to individual transport operators to enforce the ban, but the NTA will periodically review the policy.

Union Support and Industry Reactions

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has welcomed the decision, emphasizing the safety of both drivers and passengers. The union mentioned that there have been concerns about the risks posed by e-scooter batteries on public transport across Europe. They also pointed out the difficulty drivers face in managing these policies, including instructing passengers on how to store their scooters and ensuring safe transport conditions.

The NBRU supports the ban as the most practical solution for safety, stating that the risk of battery combustion is too high. They explained that the large battery capacities of e-scooters make them more likely to overheat, and since it’s hard to check battery capacities on public transport, banning them altogether is the safest option.

However, not everyone agrees with the ban. The Dublin Commuter Coalition has expressed concerns that the ban could force more people to drive, as many commuters have been using e-scooters as a way to travel the “last mile” between public transport stops and their destinations. They urged the NTA to reconsider the decision and work with experts to find a solution that would allow e-scooters on public transport while addressing safety concerns.

Retailer Criticism

Paddy O’Brien, co-founder of Loco Scooters, one of Ireland’s largest e-scooter retailers, criticized the ban, saying it “makes no sense.” According to O’Brien, his business has repaired nearly 10,000 scooters over the past few years, and none have been due to lithium battery fires. He acknowledged the safety concerns but argued that the fear of e-scooters spontaneously catching fire has been exaggerated.

O’Brien also questioned why e-bikes are still allowed on public transport, despite using similar batteries to e-scooters. He believes the decision to ban one but not the other is inconsistent, given that both vehicles rely on lithium-ion battery technology.

Public Opinion

At Dublin’s Connolly Station, passengers had mixed reactions to the ban. Some, like Gavin Walsh, a scooter owner, stressed the convenience that e-scooters provide for short journeys and as a way to connect with other forms of transport, like buses and trains. He argued that banning them limits options for commuters.

On the other hand, passengers like Dylan Fitzpatrick felt the ban made sense due to safety risks. He pointed out that even one e-scooter fire could cause a major incident on a train, and suggested that people consider switching to manual scooters instead.

As the ban takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will impact daily commuters and whether any changes to the policy will be made in the future.

Celebrate Sustainability in the Heart of Dublin

Dublin City Council is excited to announce the return of Car Free Day, aligned with European Mobility Week. This event marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to sustainable transport, offering Dubliners and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore the city in new, eco-friendly ways.

The festivities will take place at Custom House Quay, transforming the area into a pedestrian paradise. Attendees can look forward to a day packed with activities including cycling skills workshops, engaging games, and live performances. The highlight for many will be the outdoor cinema, providing entertainment in an innovative, car-free setting.

A Day for Community and Mobility

Deputy Lord Mayor Donna Cooney expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Car Free Day not only supports Dublin’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2030 but also enhances the accessibility of our beautiful city. This event encourages residents to consider alternative modes of transportation, from cycling and walking to using our efficient public transit system.”

The event serves as the grand finale of European Mobility Week, aiming to foster community spirit and environmental consciousness across the continent. With over 70% of Europeans residing in urban areas, initiatives like Car Free Day play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban living, making cities more livable and breathable.

Plan Your Day with Ease

To navigate Dublin on Car Free Day, the public is encouraged to utilize the TFI Journey Planner or the TFI Live App. These tools are designed to help you find the best routes via public transport, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience as you join in the city’s celebrations.

The NTA issued a guidance document after growing concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-scooters, which have been linked to fires and the emission of dense, harmful smoke aboard public transport vehicles. Notably, similar incidents in cities like Madrid and Barcelona have prompted authorities to reevaluate the safety protocols associated with these popular commuting options.

Despite their convenience and growing popularity, e-scooters have come under scrutiny due to the potential dangers posed by their batteries. “These batteries have a tendency to develop internal faults which can lead to overheating and even combustion,” stated the NTA. This alarming possibility has led to a cautious approach, prioritizing passenger safety over the convenience of carrying foldable or portable e-scooters on public transportation.

Interestingly, the ban does not extend to e-bikes or mobility scooters, which have been regulated for a longer period and are considered to have safer, more reliable battery systems. “The construction and quality control of e-bikes and mobility scooters are more mature, reducing the associated risks significantly compared to those of newer e-scooters,” the NTA explained.

The policy aligns with actions taken in other European cities such as Berlin and locations throughout the UK, where similar bans have been instituted to mitigate the risks associated with e-scooters on public transport systems.

Transport operators like Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, and Luas will be involved in the periodic reviews of this policy to ensure that safety standards are continuously met and adjusted as necessary.

As Ireland moves forward with this regulation, the impact on daily commuters and the e-scooter industry will be closely monitored. The decision marks a significant shift in how public transport safety is managed in the face of new and emerging technologies.

Overview of the Dublin Traffic Plan

The Dublin traffic plan is designed to decrease general traffic by 40% and promote alternative modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport. Key measures include the closure of The Quays to private vehicles, allowing only buses, bikes, and taxis, and making Parliament Street traffic-free. The council also intends to reallocate sections of the North and South Quays exclusively for public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists​​.

Benefits and Challenges

The plan draws lessons from the traffic patterns observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw reduced vehicle volumes and allowed for ambitious changes in traffic management. The council believes that reducing car traffic will alleviate bus delays and improve overall transit efficiency. Green Party Councillor Michael Pidgeon emphasized that buses, carrying significantly more passengers than private cars, will benefit the most from these changes​​.

However, the plan has sparked concerns among local businesses. Dublin Town, a business advocacy group, argues that the plan could negatively impact city centre accessibility and trade. They highlight potential issues with service access for deliveries and repairs, and fear that shoppers may shift to suburban retail parks, potentially increasing overall emissions contrary to the plan’s environmental goals​​.

Addressing Opposition

In response to these concerns, the council has committed to ongoing consultations with business owners and other stakeholders. They aim to address logistical challenges and ensure that the implementation of the traffic plan considers the practical needs of the business community. Despite these efforts, the opposition remains vocal, with some businesses even fundraising for legal and public relations campaigns against the plan​​.

Moving Forward

The Dublin traffic plan is part of a broader objective within the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028. It aligns with European Union directives aimed at improving urban liveability by reducing car dependency. While the full impact of the plan will unfold over the coming months, the council is confident that these changes will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and accessible city centre​.

Technical Inspections Underway

Luas technicians are currently inspecting the overhead line and all tram pantographs. According to an official statement, this work is expected to take several hours. During this period, the Luas Green Line will remain non-operational.

Impact on Commuters

The suspension of Luas Green Line services has caused significant inconvenience to commuters. To mitigate the impact, all valid Luas tickets are being accepted on Dublin Bus services. Additionally, Luas staff have been deployed to key stops to assist passengers and provide updates.

Service Resumption Plans

Once repairs are complete, the Green Line services will resume in phases. The initial phase will restore services between Brides Glen and St Stephen’s Green, followed by the stretch between St Stephen’s Green and Broombridge.

The Luas team has apologized for the inconvenience and assures passengers that updates will be provided through the Luas website and social media channels.

For more information and real-time updates, visit the Luas official website.

Public Transport Fare Adjustments – Key Changes

Short Journey Fares: For TFI Leap Card users, short journey fares will increase from €1.30 to €1.50. Cash fares for the same journeys will rise from €1.70 to €2.
Regional Town Fares: A new flat fare of €1.50 for Leap Card users will be introduced on regional town bus services in Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, and Sligo. The cash fare for these services will change to €2.
Dublin 90-Minute Fare: The €2 TFI 90-minute fare in Dublin, which allows free transfers between Dublin Bus, Luas, and most DART, commuter rail, and Go-Ahead Ireland services, will remain unchanged.
These adjustments aim to make fares more equitable and consistent across the board. The second phase of the fare strategy, set to be implemented later this year, will further streamline fare structures and introduce new zones and caps for multimodal travel