The introduction of a dedicated public transport police unit is a priority, according to Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, as concerns over safety and anti-social behaviour on buses, trains, and trams continue to mount.
Calls for such a force have been ongoing for years, with many transport users and industry representatives highlighting rising incidents of harassment, intimidation, and violence on public transport. In response, the government is now exploring the establishment of a specialised security unit to ensure safer journeys for passengers and staff alike.
Minister Jim O'Callaghan has stressed that for a public transport police force to be effective, it must be granted powers of arrest. Without these legal powers, he warns, enforcement efforts could fall short of properly tackling disruptive behaviour.
While transport operators, including Irish Rail and Dublin Bus, have introduced private security measures to handle incidents, critics argue that a dedicated public transport police unit would provide a more consistent and authoritative approach.
Minister O’Callaghan acknowledged that legislative changes would likely be required to establish and empower such a force, but he expressed confidence that progress could be made to address ongoing safety concerns on Ireland’s public transport network.
