A NORTHSIDE councillor has given his full support to a campaign that aims to tackle racism on public transport.
Representatives of Dublin Bus, Iarnród �ireann, Bus �ireann, Transdev, Local Link bus services and the taxi industry came together last week in Dublin to launch the national transport anti-racism campaign.
Coordinated by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, in partnership with Transport for Ireland and Dublin City Council, it is the biggest anti-racism campaign of its kind in Europe with over one thousand posters being displayed during a two-week period.
Cllr Larry O’Toole (SF), who represents the Beaumont-Donaghmede Local Electoral Area (LEA) on Dublin City Council, uses public transport daily. Â
Cllr O’Toole said that although he is aware of incidents all over the country in recent years he has only witnessed, first-hand, isolated incidents on his own journeys.Â
“They have been very rare, maybe one or two, where racist remarks were made,
? he said. Â
“However, I absolutely welcome this campaign as it is very important to make people aware that any form of racism is totally unacceptable.Â
“People have the right to do a day’s work without remarks about their ethnicity, colour or creed.
“Racism should not be tolerated in any walk of life, and especially if it is targeted at people who are serving the public.
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Cllr O’Toole added:
“I would encourage transport users to report any incidents they witness of racist behaviour.
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Brian Killoran, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said they were proud to link up with national transport agencies to promote a message of solidarity and zero tolerance towards racism.Â
“The public transport system is the perfect partner as it both serves and represents the cultural diversity in Ireland,
? said Mr Killoran.Â
“We have learned around one in six of Dublin Bus employees are from a migrant background, with 70 different countries represented.Â
“A total of 33 different backgrounds are represented among Bus Ã?ireann’s 2,536 employees and among Iarnród Ã?ireann’s 3,832 staff 23 different countries of origin are represented. Among 264 Transdev staff, 30 different nationalities are represented.
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Anne Graham, chief executive of Transport for Ireland, said Ireland has become more diverse and more mature in recent years, and the staff who deliver our public transport services certainly reflect these positive changes.Â
“However, that doesn’t mean we can be complacent, and prejudice and intolerance
?? whoever the target may be
?? need to be tackled head on,
? said Ms Graham.Â
“This is the fifth year the campaign has run and the positive impact on the transport agencies and their staff has been encouraging.Â
“Transport for Ireland is delighted to give this campaign our full support.
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Fiona Healy, from Dublin City Council, said:
“During the period of the campaign we encourage transport users to report any incidences of racism they see.Â
“Eliminating racism on our transport networks is a brilliant place to start as they are used by everyone without discrimination.
“Dublin City Council is delighted to support these transport agencies in demonstrating zero tolerance towards racism and encouraging anyone who witnesses or experiences it to speak out.
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Anyone who witnesses or experiences racism on Ireland’s transport system is urged to email stopracism@immigrantcouncil.ieÂ