Concerns over increase in anti-social behaviour incidents on buses

Concerns were raised about the recent prevalence of public transport issues caused by anti-social behaviour in the Tallaght area and the consequences it could have.

Instances of anti-social behaviour in the local area have led to the cancellation of bus services for the evening, including the 27, 65b and 77a.

Several incidents of youths throwing stones, bottles and other projectiles at buses travelling the 27 route have also been reported by drivers at recent meetings of the West Tallaght Local Transport Forum, particularly along Fortunestown Way and Brookfield Road.

Councillor Adam Smyth noted that these issues are affecting many residents in Tallaght, including the more dependent section of the local population.

Cllr Smyth told The Echo: “This is affecting everybody. When the busses are diverted, potentially having to get off at the Tallaght bypass at 10pm and having to walk down as far as Fettercairn and Brookfield and different areas.

“This is causing a lot of hassle for everybody, and I suppose it’s just highlighting that, if this is to actually continue, we need to, as a community, take a stance.

“Talk to our kids, and highlight that this is affecting our grannies, our elderly neighbors, and it’s not just a bit of fun and the bus window is smashed.

“This is actually affecting us in the long term.”

The Tallaght Central councillor stated that buses pulled from service due to damage from these events need several days to be repaired.

This then results in less buses being on the route and causing a domino effect as further strain is placed on drivers to deliver a timely service with less resources, while facing the possibility that such damage could happen to their vehicle.

Cllr Smyth noted the work that the local Gardaí have done to track down the assailants involved and also the work carried out by unions and transport companies in response to this.

However, he urged the community to step up to ensure that this behaviour is stamped out and that the residents of Tallaght can continue to avail of necessary bus services.

“I think these committees and the guards are doing a lot, and they’re doing everything they can, but I think the community needs also to step up and help and support that as well.

“Even just having that talk with our kids and with our families.”

Funded by the Local Demcoracy Reporting Scheme.