Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

The programme for Government commits to creating a transport security force. While this is a priority, responsibility for its establishment lies with the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority. On 18 June, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, met with the Minister for Transport to discuss the proposed transport security force. The Department of Transport is developing the necessary legislative proposals but the model remains under consideration and the process is at an early stage. New legislation is required, which takes time to develop and implement.

I assure the Deputy that ensuring the safety of public transport passengers and staff remains a key priority while this work is ongoing. Antisocial behaviour affects many areas, including public transport. Responsibility for safety primarily rests with public transport companies, working closely with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. An Garda Síochána has tools to respond to antisocial behaviour on public transport. Garda management works closely with operators such as the NTA, Irish Rail, including DART and InterCity, and Transdev Ireland, which operates the Luas, thereby maintaining a high-visibility and co-ordinated policing presence. An Garda Síochána is actively working to address issues on public transport, including through dedicated operations such as Operation Twin Tracks and Operation Saul. A range of regional and local operations have been put in place by gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport.

The aim of Operation Saul, for example, is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services in the Dublin metropolitan region. This operation can reassure citizens, visitors and the business community that Dublin is a safe place in which to visit, socialise and conduct business. In 2024, 683 arrests and 1,339 charges or summonses were effected under this operation.

See this speech in context