Niall Collins
Question:
287. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek action to ensure the preservation of this vital service (details supplied) for the community; if he will give assurances in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2075/23]
View answer
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 and provision of public transport.
I understand that Dublin Bus are engaging with trade union representatives and An Garda Síochána concerning the ongoing issues with regard to service provision in West Tallaght. However, the issue of the ongoing operation of specific bus services in Dublin is first and foremost an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Dublin Bus received a letter from the NBRU and SIPTU Trade Unions on 11th January, informing the company that they intended to withdraw services from West Tallaght at 6pm from 12th January, and terminate services on routes affected; 27, 65b and 77a at the Square in Tallaght. Following discussions between Dublin Bus management and the union leadership it was agreed that services would continue as normal up to 6pm in the evening, at which time, services would be curtailed in areas where incidents are high.
While these partial curtailments remain in place, significant work has been taken and continues, including:
- High level engagement between Dublin Bus CEO and Assistant Garda Commissioner
- Gardaí will continue to operate additional patrols in the area for the foreseeable future
- Additional Garda initiatives, including travelling undercover on certain services, have been implemented since Friday 13th January
- Dublin Bus CEO chaired an emergency Tallaght Forum meeting which was well attended by community representatives, AGS, Trade Unions and local elected representatives
- A formal review of the “West Tallaght Anti-Social Behaviour Agreement” is being jointly undertaken by Trade Union officials and Dublin Bus management
- Ongoing engagement between Dublin Bus management and Trade Unions
- Continuation of monitoring of the number of incidents in these areas and associated risk assessment.
We remain in dialogue with all stakeholders including the local community because we recognise this as a multi-stakeholder issue and will only be resolved accordingly. Our priority remains, as always, the safety and security of customers and employees.
