Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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322. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the consideration of establishing a dedicated transport policing service, similar to the British Transport Police operating in Northern Ireland, to enhance safety and security across public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61536/25]

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 National Transport Authority (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.

Decisions regarding the establishment of a dedicated transport police service under An Garda Síochána would be a matter for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.

The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a 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. We expect legislation to progress during 2026 with a view to having the force operational by 2027.

In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, to date €14 million in 2025 . 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 key 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.

In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.