DART security improvements are welcomed

DUBLIN Bay North TD Tommy Broughan has welcomed plans by Iarnród Éireann for increased security measures on the DART.

Deputy Broughan (Ind) has consistently been calling for more security at DART stations and on trains following concerns expressed by commuters about anti-social and criminal behaviour. He recently asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, about Irish Rail’s plans to introduce a confidential text message scheme to allow members of the public to report anti-social behaviour.

In its reply, Irish Rail informed Deputy Broughan that the text alert service will be introduced in the coming weeks. It will enable customers to discretely report anti-social behaviour incidents to a live monitored centre, which will allow for security personnel and/or gardaí to be alerted and dispatched as required.

Irish Rail plans to publicise the new service extensively to its customers.

Deputy Broughan was also informed that security patrol levels on the DART have doubled in the past 18 to 24 months and resources will continue to be reviewed and enhanced as necessary. The company said that 128 of its 144 DART carriages are now equipped with CCTV and a central monitoring facility has been established across the network. 

The remaining 16 carriages are to be fitted with CCTV in the coming weeks.

Deputy Broughan was also told there are in-cab screens in around 50 percent of the DART fleet to ensure a driver can bring a train to a halt and view the live feed from CCTV. This is to be installed in the remainder of the carriages over the coming months.

Deputy Broughan said he welcomed the reply he had received from Jim Meade, chief executive of Iarnród Éireann, about the improved security measures.

“There have been a number of unacceptable incidents of anti-social or dangerous behaviour in recent years and it is good to see a transport provider take steps to address the matter directly,” Deputy Broughan stated.

“Of course, we shouldn’t have to have increased security on trains or at stations but unfortunately an increase in anti-social behaviour has led to this need.

“ I commend Irish Rail for taking action and will be liaising with constituents and commuters to ensure that the difference is being felt on the ground by those using the services.”