Local Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí has said there is an “urgent” need for security personnel on public transport services on the Northside.
Ó Muirí said the security was specifically needed during evening hours.
The Dublin Bay North TD was building on comments by local councillor Supirya Singh, who raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Dublin City Council’s North Central Area committee.
Singh’s motion, which was passed unanimously by the committee, called for the deployment of Gardaí or security personnel on DART or bus services.
Ó Muirí said, “this is an issue of growing concern, particularly in areas such as Raheny, Donaghmede, Belmayne and Clongriffin, but the progress on the issue seems to be very slow.”
In January, the Programme for Government said it would introduce a transport security force, but there has been radio silence from the government on the issue ever since.
Ó Muirí said the issue wasn’t hypothetical; it is now a reality for Northside commuters.
“We have had a steady stream of incidents, including violent attacks at both Raheny and Clongriffin DART stations within the past year,” he told the Dáil.
“These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of escalating anti-social behaviour that, if we do not address it, will erode public confidence in the safety of our transport system.”
“This affects everyone but particularly women, older people and those travelling alone in the evening time. How can we encourage women to switch to or even use public transport if they do not feel safe? It is a public service and a safety issue. Safety on public transport must be treated as a basic right, not a privilege.”
Ó Muirí expressed frustration, saying that he has written to the National Transport Authority about this issue, but said “there appears to be little or no tangible progress.”
“Security personnel were deployed on some southside routes last year; why the delay on the northside?” he asked.
“When will we see a proper security presence on the ground, on buses and on trains in our communities? The travelling public deserves more than assurances. They need real action on safety.”