Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan T.D. has welcomed the new pilot security scheme for the Gardai to board and patrol Luas trams. But he has warned that more permanent measures are necessary to address growing anti-social and criminal activity on buses, light rail and trams.
Deputy Broughan believes it is now time to strongly consider a small dedicated public transport police body under the auspices of the newly established Dublin Transport Authority and National Transport Regulator.
"I have asked Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and his colleagues many times to address the issue of anti-social and criminal behaviour on public transport. In a PQ reply Justice Minister Ahern has now confirmed that there will be a three month pilot security scheme on the Luas where Gardai will "operate high-visibilty patrols, both on the the trams and along tram-line, paying particular attention to identified public disorder trouble spots. Four members of An Garda Siochana are assigned specifically to Luas foot patrol duty with two additional members assigned, in support of these members to mobile patrol."
"I greatly welcome the news that Gardai will now board and patrol Luas trams given the large number of complaints I have heard of appalling anti-social behaviour towards passengers and staff on the Luas. However, a three month pilot scheme is not enough to tackle this problem and to protect the travelling public and frontline public transport workers. There have been a number of high profile attacks on public transport workers over the past year including the attempted hijacking of a Dublin Bus and dozens of recorded incidents on bus services thoughout the country.
"Minister Dempsey must now urgently consider wider and permanent enhanced security for all public transport systems including a new dedicated transport police unit when this three month trial period finishes. I have also again asked the Minister to examine, and if necessary, strengthen the current penalties that can be imposed on any person found to have been involved in anti-social and criminal activity on buses, trains and light rail."