Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to bring together stakeholders in the context of establishing a forum for the purpose of establishing a standardised multi-agency approach to combating anti-social behaviour on the public transport network. [38580/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to roads and public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation, provision, and maintenance of the public transport and roads network.
While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of the utmost importance, arrangements to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour on public transport are matters which first and foremost must be managed by each public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. Decisions regarding a transport police unit, for example, and the allocation of Garda resources, are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
Nonetheless, both my Department and the National Transport Authority engage regularly with operators on the issue, and the NTA has established a Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour which meets monthly with the operators and relevant stakeholders to discuss developing trends and share best practice. Separately, under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, my Department has committed to publish an annual ‘Public Transport Passenger Safety and Personal Security Report’ with the NTA.
Furthermore, each of the operators have introduced a number of initiatives in recent years to help combat the issue. For example, there has been a more than 50% increase in spending on rail security in recent years, from €3.7m in 2016 to a preliminary spend of €6.3m in 2023. The entire Dublin Bus fleet is fully fitted with CCTV cameras and radios for immediate contact to a Central Control Centre.
An Garda Síochána are also conducting more patrols in the areas experiencing particular safety and security issues, and have deployed undercover gardaí to assist with this. I fully support this work and the ongoing positive engagement between An Garda Síochána and the various public transport operators in relation to the issue of safety on public transport.
Lastly, the Department of Transport hosted the inaugural annual Sustainability Mobility Forum in Athlone in April this year which included key stakeholders from trade unions, public transport user group representatives, and public transport companies. There was positive engagement by all stakeholders on a wide range of issues, and productive discussions were had on how best to improve safety on our public transport network.
The combined interventions implemented to date across the network have substantially helped tackle antisocial behaviour. However, I fully acknowledge that more work needs to be done, and the Deputy can be assured that I am committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible environment for both passengers, and the employees providing our valuable public transport services.
