Skip to main content
Normal View

Antisocial Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Questions (17)

John Lahart

Question:

17. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice the progress being made with regard to the provision of a dedicated transport police corps for public transport patrolling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35626/22]

View answer

Written answers

I want to say at the outset, that acts of violence and anti-social behaviour are completely unacceptable. There are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner, who is operationally responsible, to respond to such incidents. The Commissioner is also responsible, as the Deputy will be aware, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the establishment of any operational policing units within the Gardaí. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised that the Commissioner has no current plans to introduce a dedicated transport police unit, as An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe' extends to all areas of our communities, including public transport. Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a coordinated approach.

I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents.

I am informed that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent, pre-empt and detect incidents arising.

For example, Operation Twin Tracks, a community engagement and rail safety policing initiative, is being conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and the rail networks and train stations nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice to rail and light rail users. A day of action was held on 3 June, with a second day planned for 29 July.

High visibility patrolling operates between the hours of 3pm and 11pm on each day within the Dublin Region (Connolly and Heuston Stations) and nationwide on eight intercity routes. Local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí are available to deliver crime prevention advice at community engagement/crime prevention stands at a number of stations from 3pm to 8pm on each of the days.

In January this year, the Garda authorities also launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen, the Garda operation to reassure people that Dublin City Centre is a safe place to visit. Operation Saul aims to provide a safe environment for commuters using public transport services in the City.

In addition, Operation Irene commenced in the DMR on 1 June 2022 and continues until 31 August 2022. It is a targeted operation to combat under-age alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places in the DMR, through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and other associated legislation.

Top
Share