More Luas security needed: TD

A SOUTHSIDE TD has asked for a meeting with the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to discuss the need for increased security on the Luas.

Deputy Catherine Byrne (FG) has requested the meeting after reports of criminal and anti-social behaviour on trams emerged in recent months.

“Luas passengers have had to put up with unacceptable behaviour on their daily commute recently,

? Deputy Byrne said.

“I strongly urge the RPA to increase its security on the Luas, particularly on the Red Line between Tallaght and the city centre, where there have been numerous reports of drug dealing recently.

“I am seeking a meeting with the RPA to discuss these issues further. It is not acceptable for Luas passengers to be forced to witness drug use and drug dealing on their journey to work, or on an outing with their children.

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Deputy Byrne claimed that according to the figures released by operators Veolia, more than 1,300 incidents have been reported on the Luas over the past 12 months, amounting to 25 per week.

“There have also been 250 reports of staff and passengers being threatened on the Luas,

? Deputy Byrne added.

“I know that there have been numerous problems at Luas stops in my constituency, including at James’s, Rialto and Goldenbridge.

“I will be urging the RPA to take steps to seriously address this issue by increasing security to deal with criminal and anti social behaviour on the Luas.

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Tom Manning of the RPA said they would be happy to meet with Deputy Byrne to discuss any issues of concern regarding the Luas.

“Of course, we work closely with various agencies in particular the gardai, and also local authorities and public representatives to discuss issues regarding the Luas on an ongoing basis,

? he said.

“There is a serious drug problem in Dublin City Centre which can and does have an impact on our trams.

“We do experience problems on the Red Line in particular but alongside the operators we have increased security in recent months in response to this.

“And we will continue to work with all stakeholders to deal with this problem. We very much regret the impact such behaviour has on our passengers.

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