Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
148. 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. [2009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 met with these stakeholders as a collective twice and we will continue to work together to deliver on this commitment, with the next 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, and the introduction of this Force will require the development of primary legislation, which can have a significant lead time, but it will be expedited, with a view to making progress on its foundations during 2026, to enable a Force to be operational by 2027.
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, and is a Government priority.
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.
