Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
747. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to establish a transport security force to address antisocial behaviour on public transport; the actions taken to date to progress this commitment; the timeline for its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra748. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether legislative changes are required to establish a transport security force; if so, the status of the preparation of such legislation; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra749. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether funding has been allocated to date for the establishment and operation of a transport security force; the amounts allocated, if any, in each year since the publication of the Programme for Government; the funding provided for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra750. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the proposed powers, functions and operational remit of the transport security force have been determined, including whether members of the force will have enforcement or arrest powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra751. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the extent of consultation undertaken with transport operators, transport workers, trade unions, passenger representative groups and An Garda Síochána in relation to the establishment of a transport security force; the dates of such consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1919/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra752. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the interim measures which are currently in place to protect passengers and staff pending the establishment of a transport security force in light of ongoing reports of antisocial behaviour on public transport and concerns raised by transport workers regarding personal safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra753. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether alternative models to a transport security force have been examined, including the establishment of a dedicated public transport policing unit within An Garda Síochána; whether any cost benefit or effectiveness analysis has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 747 to 753, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I can assure you that my Department is actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force and is working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in this regard.
This work involves careful and informed consideration of the most appropriate model for the force, with all key stakeholders fully engaged – the NTA, operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. Since assuming office, I have had detailed engagements with these stakeholders, and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment, with the next formal meeting due to be held in February 2026.
The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment: that a Transport Security Force will operate under the NTA with powers similar to those held by Airport Police and Customs Officers. My Department and the NTA are actively progressing the legislative proposals required to deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a Transport Security Force.
The introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited. This legislation is expected to progress during 2026, with a view to having the Force operational by 2027, on a phased basis.
Decisions regarding the establishment of a transport police force or transport policing service under An Garda Síochána would be a matter for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner. I hope to update Cabinet in the coming weeks on the progress of the work that my Department is undertaking on the establishment of a Transport Security Force.
In parallel with the work being carried out in the Department of Transport, the Government continues to invest heavily in public transport safety, with over €14 million spent on safety measures in 2025. Twenty rapid response hubs have been established across the Iarnród Éireann intercity network, enhancing their ability to respond quickly to incidents and support frontline staff. In the Dublin region, the Dublin Bus Safer Journeys Team has dedicated units covering North, South, and Central Dublin as of February 2025. All buses are also now equipped CCTV cameras. On the Luas, Transdev has a full-time dedicated security staff patrolling both Red & Green lines from early morning to last tram.
All Operators continue to have strong relationships with An Garda Síochána, who ultimately assist in supporting these incidences. The NTA organises an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which public transport operators and An Garda Síochána attend.
While these measures mark significant progress, antisocial behaviour on public transport remains a serious concern. It is those who use and work within the network who are most directly affected, and the establishment of the Transport Security Force will be key in addressing this issue.
The establishment of this Transport Security Force is a key priority for Government, and as the Minister for Transport I fully support all the ongoing positive work to progress towards creating a safer public transport network for staff and passengers.
In the meantime, we are committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the Transport Security Force is in place.
