Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1400. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she has engaged with the Garda Commissioner in respect of a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána that would patrol public transport networks exclusively. [42865/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including decisions with regard to the establishment of new units.
I understand that the Commissioner does not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
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 on our public transport networks through a co-ordinated approach.
An Garda Siochana’s Operation Twin Tracks is a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative 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 Dublin and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice. There have been two days of action under Operation Twin Tracks this summer, the most recent of which was 29 July with Gardaí patrolling the DART, Luas and eight inter-city rail routes to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour.
In addition, in January 2022, to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen in Dublin, the Gardaí launched Operation Saul. This operation is designed to provide a safe environment for commuters using public transport services in Dublin together with reassuring citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities. Operation Saul currently operates in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South Central, North Central and South Divisions, however, plans are underway to extend this operation to the entire Dublin Region.
For the period 31 January to 30 June 2022, there were a total of 3,061 incidents recorded on the Garda PULSE System associated with Operation Saul. Of these incidents 2,979 were non-crime and 82 were crimes which are either under active investigation or have resulted in an accused persons appearing before the Criminal Courts. A total of 65 charges have been preferred under the Operation so far, as well as a small number of Adult cautions and Juvenile referrals.
I also note that CCTV can play an important role in the detection of illicit behaviour on public transport. The Gardaí have excellent relationships with the public transport providers and good quality CCTV across the networks already assists with relevant Garda investigations.
I understand that Garda dispatch staff have relocated to the National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station since mid-August, which will further strengthen the links between Gardaí and public transport operators. It is also my understanding that Irish Rail plans to install more CCTV cameras and increase security patrols on DART carriages.
