Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

455. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he plans to take to ensure DART drivers remain safe while working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28773/18]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

456. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he will take to provide additional security to DART services to protect drivers and passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/18]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

457. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he will take to accommodate travellers on DART services should services be curtailed due to safety issues on services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28775/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 to 457, inclusive, together.

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

I am concerned, however, to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff travelling and working on our rail network.

There were 45.5 million passenger journeys in 2017 on Iarnród Éireann, the vast majority of which occurred without incident.

However, I have been advised by the company that the number of recorded anti-social incidents has risen in the last number of years. In 2016, 492 incidents were recorded, of which 12 were assaults on staff. In 2017, 705 incidents were recorded, of which 15 were assaults on staff. To date this year, 305 incidents have been recorded, of which 5 were assaults on staff.

The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the DART is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Iarnród Éireann has advised that it liaises on a minimum quarterly basis with An Garda Síochána in major districts to address trends and issues on an area basis. In addition, this allows for proactive planning for events and known recurring issues.

Security patrols by the company have increased by 21.8% since 2016 and Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has enhanced general security cover and provides for enhanced security patrols for major events.

Furthermore, in view of concerns raised by trades unions regarding security on certain routes in Dublin, Iarnród Éireann has committed to a number of immediate and short-term measures to maintain a safe travelling environment for customers and staff and to ensure service continuity. Any curtailment of DART services would be a matter for the company in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.

I would also like to advise that my Department has written to the CEO of Iarnród Éireann and the Chairman of the Railway Safety Advisory Council to seek their views on the adequacy of the current arrangements for combatting anti-social behaviour on our rail network. I have also asked my Department to engage with the CEO’s of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to seek their views on the adequacy of the current arrangements for combatting anti-social behaviour on our buses. When I have received and considered their responses, I intend to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, and An Garda Síochána about ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff on our public transport systems.