TD calls for dedicated Luas police force to combat crime

A SOUTHSIDE TD has called for a dedicated transport police to be established for the Luas service in an effort to reduce crime on the Red Line.

Dublin Mid-West Deputy John Curran (FF) said such a force would help protect passengers that are experiencing what he described as persistent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“The intimidation of transport users and drivers, which has recently escalated, must stop and a zero-tolerance approach must be taken to challenge the culprits,” he said. “This can only be done by a number of dedicated transport police, possibly from the Traffic Corps of An Garda Síochána, to deter crime on our public transport system.”

Deputy Curran said his party has long proposed to set up a specific public transport police section.

“This proposal is fully outlined in our party manifesto,” he added.

Deputy Curran claimed that Luas operator Transdev had not done enough to combat crime on the tram service.

“While there is a security presence on the line, they have very limited authority,” he said.

“Security issues on public transport are a serious issue in Dublin, particularly on Luas services and late night bus services,” he added. “Anti-social behaviour and intimidation must not be tolerated.”

Operators of the Luas, Transdev, did not comment at time of going to press.