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National Transport Authority

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (275)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

275. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given by the National Transport Authority to establish a dedicated transport police unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/22]

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Written answers

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. As such, the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding a dedicated transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.

I am given to understand that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.

That being said, I am of course concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to safeguard the safety of all passengers and staff. In that regard, the National Transport Authority (NTA) regularly engages with public transport operators on the issue and I am advised that their Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour meets monthly to discuss any developing trends and share best practices.

I also welcome the strong ongoing engagement between An Garda Síochána and the transport operators and the range of regional and local operations that have been put in place to address incidents/issues that have arisen at specific locations. For example, since May 2021, Iarnród Éireann and an Garda Síochána have joined forces to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Greater Dublin Area and on the DART, Northern Line and Heuston to Portlaoise services. An inter-agency operation was established targeting incidents of graffiti and criminal damage to train carriages; as part of this operation Gardaí conducted patrols of rail lines in an effort to target groups involved in this activity. In addition, five Garda Response Hubs are now in operation to support on-board staff at: Mallow; Limerick Junction; Thurles; Portlaoise; and Athlone, with additional Response Hubs in Kildare (Kildare Town or Newbridge) and Roscommon (Castlereagh) in negotiation. In relation to our light rail network, there are approximately 50 security staff who liaise with An Garda Síochána regularly as part of their work.

Regarding security measures on our public bus and coaches, the entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras and radios, which facilitate immediate contact to the Central Control Centre and An Garda Síochána if required. Bus Éireann has also invested in extensive CCTV coverage throughout its fleet for the protection of passengers and staff. Emergency support for drivers is provided through 24-hour control centres and any incidents of anti-social behaviour are fully investigated and followed up with An Garda Síochána as required.

The combined interventions implemented to date help to tackle anti-social behaviour; however, this is an issue which will require on-going monitoring. As such, I am committed to continuing to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services.

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