Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
151. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport what measures are proposed to address anti-social behaviour along the DART line which acts as a disincentive for people using public transport; if he will liaise with the relevant bodies including An Garda Síochána to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11718/24]
View answerAnti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue to which public transport is unfortunately not immune; and those who regularly use and work within our public transport network are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.
While the safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff is of utmost importance, arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport, are matters which first and foremost must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
All public transport operators take the safety and security of both passengers and staff very seriously, and work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Garda Síochána to promote order and safety onboard their vehicles.
Iarnród Éireann have significantly increased their security resources, with security resources up 50% in the past five years, from €3.7m in 2016 to €6.3m in 2023. They have established enhanced joint protocols with Gardaí both nationally and locally, which have been implemented through Operation Fanacht and beyond. The DART alone has 576 cameras on the network, and 110 cab cameras. These DART cameras are monitored at Howth Junction in real time, who connect with the National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station in emergencies. Additionally, Iarnród Éireann has established a DART text alert line established for discrete reporting of ASB incidents.
In terms of external engagement, Iarnród Éireann has engaged with the Commission for Railway Regulation, trade unions and other stakeholders including Gardaí at the Department of Transport Railway Safety Advisory Council, and with the NTA and other public transport operators at the NTA’s ASB working group to ensure best practice is shared and applied. My Department and the NTA will continue to engage regularly with operators on the issue of safety and security on public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to proposed measures for the management of anti-social behaviour on the DART line is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
