IRELAND has been beset by anti-social behaviour on public transport for a number of years.
The Dail heard last month that there was an “urgent need” for security personnel on Dublin’s buses and trains, citing a “steady stream” of violent incidents.
The rise in incidents ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to physical assaults has endangered passengers and staff, and also damaged trust in the transport system.
In the run up to the general election, Fianna Fail promised to create a new transport police that would be independent of An Garda Siochana.
This force will operate under the National Transport Authority.
Writing in the Irish Sun on Sunday today, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and TD for Dublin Fingal East says this will protect passengers and staff and also builds public confidence.
MY priority for the next five years of this government is to drive forward a transformative programme of investment in sustainable and modern transport infrastructure to boost economic growth for the country.
I want to continue to invest in reliable, accessible, and efficient transport links between our towns, cities, and rural areas. This includes expanding our bus and rail fleets, building new rail stations, and accelerating the electrification of public transport.
We are progressing several major projects nationwide that will significantly improve Ireland’s transport system.
BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities.
In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises the Core Bus Corridor schemes.
These aim to provide over 200km of enhanced bus and cycling infrastructure in Dublin.
WORK PROGRESSING
I am pleased to say that An Bord Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor applications in Dublin. My department aims to have the first of the Core Bus Corridors in construction this year.
We have also received planning approval for DART+ West and full approval for DART+ South West and the new DART+ Fleet, currently undergoing testing, which will start rolling out on the Northern line from Dublin to/from Drogheda in 2026.
In April 2025, I was pleased to open a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station in Cork city.
Works are also continuing on the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme Phase 1 works and I look forward to these being complete in 2026. Luas Cork, the new light rail project for the city is also progressing.
For public transport to function effectively and accommodate a growing number of journeys, safety must remain at the core of policy and planning.
A reliable and secure system not only protects passengers and staff but also builds public confidence, encouraging greater use of sustainable transport.
One of my key priorities is addressing safety on public transport. While significant progress has been made in recent years through increased investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour — or even the perception of it — remains a serious challenge.
SAFE AND SECURE NETWORK
Those who rely on or work within our public transport system must feel secure.
That is why I have initiated work to establish a dedicated Transport Security Force, which was a key commitment in the Programme for Government and a priority for me and my colleagues in Fianna Fáil.
Just this week, I met with the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and his officials to work on establishing a security force, with their input and support.
While the past few years have seen significant progress on investment in safety measures, antisocial behaviour remains a serious issue, and it is those who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents.
Work in the Department for Transport is advancing around identifying the necessary legislative proposals to progress the Transport Security Force commitment, in conjunction with the NTA.
The decisions over the appropriate model for the Transport Security Force are in the preliminary stages of the deliberative process.
The introduction of such a force will require the development of legislation too which can have a significant lead time, but I will keep the public updated as we progress through the various stages.
Underpinning this commitment to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, the ongoing interim work on public transport safety will continue, as will the support and funding for operator measures, such as the recent extension of the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme.
EMERGENCY ALARMS
All public transport operators are continuing to expend significant resources introducing measures to counter the impact of antisocial behaviour.
For example, all services are now fully fitted with CCTV cameras, various text alert systems and control centres have been introduced.
Across the operating companies, security screens and safety cabins are provided where possible for driver safety. There are emergency alarms onboard all vehicles which can be activated by drivers to contact their central control centres.
As Minister for Transport I am continuing to work closely with industry stakeholders to identify measures to improve passenger safety.
We have established a public transport safety working group, with representatives from the public transport operators, the commercial bus sector, the NTA, unions, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and passenger representative groups.
I will continue to engage with operators and unions and will continue to work with all stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable public transport.
