Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the establishment and implementation of the proposed transport security force, given its importance in improving passenger safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63500/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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I can assure you Deputy that the Department of Transport 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 and attending meetings with my Department on an ongoing basis, including – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice.

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 frontline 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 on the Luas, Transdev has a full-time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.

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