Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 506: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the new scheme where gardaí will board and patrol Luas trams in an effort to address growing anti-social and criminal behaviour on the light rail system; the number of gardaí who have been assigned to this scheme; the length of time that it will run for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that senior Garda management in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, in consultation with the Railway Procurement Agency and the Department of Transport, has put security measures in place on the Luas system on a three month pilot basis, from 29 June, as a result of which members of An Garda Síochána are deployed on the red and green Luas lines on particular nights at particular times. These measures are similar to those put in place as part of Operation Freeflow during the Christmas period in 2008.

Gardaí will operate high-visibility patrols, both on the trams and along the tram-lines, paying particular attention to identified public disorder trouble spots. Four members of An Garda Síochána are assigned specifically to Luas foot patrol duty, with two additional members assigned, in support of these members, to mobile patrol. The mobile patrol is available in the event of public disorder or other anti-social behaviour and for the transportation of any persons arrested.