Concerns Blackwater Park being used as ‘race track’

The issues of e-bikes and e-scooters mounting footpaths in Navan and racing in Blackwater Park was highlighted by councillors at last week's meeting of Navan Municipal Council.

Cllr John Duffy said a member of the public had raised the issue of e-bikes and scooters in Backwater Park with him.

"He had seen up to six people speed racing in the park. It is a big concern for people out for a walk. It is very hard to determine what you can and cannot do," he said.

Cllr Duffy called on Meath Co Council to put in place notices informing the public that both e-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited from use in Blackwater Park.

"Notices need to be placed at entrances including the new footbridge. There has been a marked increase in the use of e-bikes and s-scooters in the park in recent weeks.”

He was told the regulation of activities within Blackwater Park was governed by the Parks Bye-Laws 2014, which enable the council to control activities in the interests of safety and proper use.

The bye-laws include provisions restricting the use of mechanically propelled vehicles within parks, except where permitted by the Council. However recent regulations established a new category of vehicle, outside of the definition of a mechanically propelled vehicle, known as Powered Personal Transporters or “PPTs” for short. They are treated broadly in a similar manner to bicycles, subject to adherence to defined technical and usage requirements.

Director of Services, Martin Murray said the council could ban them in the park, but would have to revise the bye-laws. They could look at amending the bye-laws but could not just put up signs.

Cllr Duffy has also asked the council to clarify the position of cycling through Blackwater Park itself, and if this is allowed.

He was told the Parks Bye-Laws were designed to ensure the safe and appropriate use of parks for all users. The bye-laws do not explicitly prohibit cycling but provide the Council with broad powers to regulate activities where necessary in the interests of safety.

The Council promotes a balanced approach in Blackwater Park, including the provision of a dedicated Learn to Cycle Track to encourage safe cycling, particularly for children, alongside shared-use areas where users are expected to act with due care and consideration.

Meanwhile, the Mayor, Cllr Francis Deane asked what plans were in place for the council to ban powered scooters mounting footpaths throughout Navan town.”

"It has become a major problem recently, particularly in Johnstown," he said.

He was told the use of powered scooters on footpaths was not permitted, other than for access or egress to a property. Since the rules legalising e-scooters took effect (2024), riders of e-scooters must adhere to the same road rules as cyclists.

Director of Services Martin Murray said that the council cannot issue fines under this legislation, it was a matter purely for the gardai.

A €50 fixed charge applies for such offences.

Cllr Deane was told the council would raise the matter directly with the Inspector for Roads Policing in the Meath Division and the Council’s Road Safety Officer would continue to highlight the issue of the use of e-scooters in future schools and youth road safety education events.

- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.