Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent extension of the Dublin Bus pilot security scheme, and the routes under this scheme in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, 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. Therefore the allocation of the Dublin Bus pilot security scheme and the choice of routes operating on it are a matter for Dublin Bus.

That being said, I am acutely aware that anti-social behaviour is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network, who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network.

In October 2024, Dublin Bus successfully launched its 20-week pilot programme of the Safer Journeys Team, a mobile unit dedicated to enhancing safety on-board their fleet. In January 2025, this programme was extended, with the two initial teams expanded to three, covering North Dublin, South Dublin, and Central Dublin.

As you may be aware there is also a strong commitment under the Programme for Government to create a Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority (NTA), which would operate and have similar powers to Airport Police and Customs Officers, and I can assure you I am taking forward this commitment as a priority, and work is ongoing in my Department, in conjunction with the NTA, around identifying the most appropriate organisational structure to progress it.

I am fully supportive of all of this ongoing positive work towards creating a safer public transport network for all passengers and staff.

In light of the Dublin Bus's responsibility in relation to the extension and operation of their pilot security scheme, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.