Gardaí have arrested a man in his late teens

It is believed the teenage girl was walking on the Ratoath Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, at around 2.20 pm yesterday (Sunday, January 25) when the incident happened.

Following the collision, a scrambler motorbike could be seen lying on the roadway, as well as a helmet and a pair of trainers.

The accident occurred near the junction with Tolka Valley Road.

Gardaí arrested a man in his late teens and are now appealing for any witnesses to the tragic incident.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision that occurred on Ratoath Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, this afternoon.

“The collision involving a scrambler motorcycle and a pedestrian occurred at approximately 2.20 pm.

“The pedestrian, a juvenile female in her teens, was brought to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, for treatment of injuries and has since passed away this evening.

“An adult male, aged in his late teens, has been arrested in relation to this incident and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the Dublin Region.

“Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have conducted an examination of the scene, and the road has since reopened.

“Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

“Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area between 2.10 pm and 2.40 pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on (01) 6667500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

Conor Reddy, People Before Profit councillor for Ballymun–Finglas, said that this was not the first accident involving a scrambler bike in the area.

He went on to say Sunday's crash was “tragic” and that the local community will be “traumatised” by the incident.

He added: “By all accounts, this collision is very bad. It’s horrific.”

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, who represents the Dublin North-West constituency, said the entire community was in shock.

“I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of the young girl who was tragically killed in Finglas yesterday. The entire community is in shock at this devastating news.

“Dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters has scourged communities such as Finglas for far too long, and it is up to all of us, as local elected representatives, to continue pushing for greater and swifter action on this.

“There has long been a need for a greater presence of community gardaí in Finglas - the Dublin North division of the Dublin Metropolitan Region has 769 members of staff to cover a population area of approximately 350,583, a ratio of 219 gardaí per 100,000 people. The national average is 276 per 100,000, or 26pc higher than in the Dublin North division.

“We need a strong, visible presence of community gardaí who can help prevent such terrible incidents.

“My thoughts are with all of those in the community affected by this tragedy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Keith Connolly, Fianna Fáil's councillor, has also called for stricter policing of scrambler bikes being used dangerously.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland on Monday morning, Keith Connolly described the "level of lawlessness" about the use of scrambler bikes as "deeply frustrating," per the Irish Independent.

"If I go out and drive a car without tax or insurance, or drive dangerously, they're pursued very quickly - this needs to happen for these bikes," Mr Connolly said.

The councillor went on to say that despite the change in legislation back in 2023, which allowed the gardaí to seize the bikes, "unfortunately, this is not enough."