SIPTU calls for transport police in Dublin

SIPTU has launched a costed proposal for a new National Public Transport Police (NPTP) with an initial pilot scheme involving 125 officers based in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “In response to the clear issues which must be addressed in relation to security on our public transport network SIPTU’s Transport Sector is proposing the establishment of a new National Public Transport Police service. This is a nationwide network of ‘Authorised Officers’ similar to the currently existing Airport Police service.

“The National Public Transport Police will also include Public Transport Assistance Units. These are specifically trained social care intervention officers to deal with those causing a public disturbance on the public transport network but who are more applicable for intervention in relation to underlying social care issues, such as substance abuse and homelessness, rather than within a purely legal framework.”

SIPTU Respect Transport Workers spokesperson and Dublin Bus driver, Suzanne Armstrong, said: “In response to reports from our members of increasing anti-social behaviour and violence on the public transport network the Union conducted surveys of our members’ concerns earlier this year.

“Following this, we launched the SIPTU Respect Transport Workers campaign in February 2024. The central demand of the campaign, for a new type of policing unit for our public transport network, has received widespread political backing. The demand for a Transport Police has also been affirmed over several years in motions at SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conferences and SIPTU Divisional Biennial Delegate Conferences.”

SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: “The establishment of the NPTP would include costs associated with an investment in infrastructure to support the service, recruitment and training, wages and vehicles. In this proposal, we provide an approximation of the costs that might be involved in the establishment of the service.

“However, overall due to an increase in public transport use accruing from the creation of a safer environment and the  transfer of resources from current policing and private security measures such a force could well be at least cost-neutral to the exchequer in the longer­ term.”