SIPTU says attack on Dublin Bus driver highlights need for a Transport Police Service

SIPTU representatives say an attack on a Dublin Bus driver and Union member last Thursday (23rd July) afternoon on Bachelor’s Walk in Dublin city centre highlights “the pressing need for the Government to fulfil its commitment to establish a Transport Police Service.”

SIPTU Dublin Bus Representative, Stephen Millane, said: “In mobile phone footage, a bus driver can be seen asking a group of youths to stop attacking a man lying on the ground at a bus stop. The youths then turn their attention to him, and he is forced to grab onto a pole and attempt to protect himself as they physically assault him.

“Our member was left injured and very shaken by the incident, which is being investigated by An Garda Síochána.

“However, the sad reality is that this is far from an isolated incident. SIPTU members continue to report being physically assaulted while carrying out their work on the public transport network.

“The Union has highlighted the increase in these incidents through our Respect Transport Workers campaign, launched in 2024. However, we still await the promised Government action on establishing a dedicated Transport Police Service.”

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: “In its Programme for Government, published in January 2025, there is a clear commitment to establish a policing unit operating under the National Transport Authority, with powers similar to the Airport Police to apprehend and detain persons committing crimes on the public transport network.

“SIPTU representatives have sought to work with the Government to make this a reality in line with Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien’s previously stated aim of having such a force operational by 2027. Unfortunately, we have yet to see concrete action by the Government, which would likely include the need for new legislation, to establish such a publicly controlled force with the necessary powers.”

He added: “Incidents such as Thursday’s attack once again show the clear need to implement the agreed plan to establish a new policing unit modelled on the Airport Police.”