Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy mentioned the need for additional resources and I have given Iarnród Éireann an extra €115,000, of which I know the Deputy is aware. That has come from my Department's Vote very late in the year in order to assist with this specific problem. The additional funding from the Vote will enable Irish Rail to take further measures that can reassure passengers and staff that they will be able to travel and work in safety and peace over the festive season. Irish Rail has spent €100,000 of this on extra security patrols on evening DART and commuter services between Dublin city centre and Howth, Drogheda, Maynooth, Kildare and Greystones. These patrols will be in addition to Iarnród Éireann's existing measures to safeguard the travelling public against anti-social behaviour and the company's long-standing strong working relationship with the Garda Síochána. The remaining €15,000 of the extra funds will be used by Irish Rail to provide additional security personnel at fleet maintenance depots in order to counter the threat of vandalism, including graffiti attacks on trains.

The issue of anti-social behaviour on the public transport network has come increasingly to the fore over recent months thanks to the Deputy and others and we have responded to it. I must also thank Mr. Dermot O'Leary of the NBRU, who also brought this to our attention. We have responded very positively to it because we recognise there is a common interest in looking after both the staff and the passengers.

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