Calls for dedicated transport police on the Luas red line

By Brendan Grehan

Local TD, John Curran has called on a dedicated transport police to patrol the Luas red line between Tallaght and Saggart.

Deputy Curran said that at a time of increased traffic congestion, it is our duty to reduce the use of our cars and minimise the gridlock that affects so many road users.

He added: “The Luas provides an invaluable service to many and it is essential that all our public transport facilities are protected to support those that commute.

“Ensuring that public transport is a safe and secure way to travel for all age groups, at all times is vital to maintaining its role at the heart of city life.

“The intimidation of transport users and drivers which has recently escalated must stop, and a zero tolerance approach must be taken to challenge the culprits.”

Deputy Curran said that it could only be done by a number of dedicated transport police, possibly from the Garda Traffic Corps “who are visible and frequently patrolling our buses and Luas in an attempt to deter crime on our public transport system”.

He added: “Fianna Fáil has long proposed to set up a specific public transport police section within An Garda Síochána.

This proposal is fully outlined in our party manifesto. While there is a security presence on the tram service, they have very limited authority and there appears to have been little progress in implementing various security initiatives that Transdev committed to in its bid to combat incidents of public disorder”.