Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:156. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the establishment of a transport security force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 February 2026
Ceisteanna (156)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
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.
The ongoing work to establish it 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 continue to meet them bilaterally on this important matter. In addition the stakeholders also have ongoing engagement through their attendance at the Public Transport Safety Working Group, which is chaired by my Department, with the most recent meeting held on the 11th of February 2026.
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.
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. 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.
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.