Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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269. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the consultations his Department, or An Garda Síochána, have had concerning the introduction of a dedicated transport police service, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54189/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister or Transport I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the NTA in this regard. This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office I have met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment.

The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: the Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. The introduction of such a force will require new legislation and this issue is a priority for my Department, and we are determined to advance it as swiftly as possible.

In parallel, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety. Twenty rapid response hubs have now been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support front-line staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025. All buses are also now equipped with eleven internal CCTV cameras, and the modern fleet includes three external cameras on each bus to further strengthen surveillance and deterrence. On the Luas, Transdev has a full time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.

While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.

The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a high priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.