‘Progress’ made on public transport security force as meeting hears attacks continued over summer

The “foundations” of legislation to govern the establishment of a transport security force are expected before the end of the year, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has said. O’Brien was speaking after a spate of attacks on buses, particularly in west Dublin. Attacks happened on the 77A, 65B and 65 routes. In one case in July, a woman was taken to hospital after an object was thrown through the window of a bus on which she was travelling in Tallaght. Plans for a new public transport security force are being developed , which met on Thursday. It is expected the force will have powers of arrest and detention. The Department of Transport said the meeting on Thursday was “one of a series” of discussions around the establishment of the transport security force. While no timetable is available, O’Brien said “considerable progress” was being made. In reply to a Dáil question, he told Sinn Féin TD John Brady: “I can assure you that my department is actively progressing the necessary steps to deliver on the commitment to establish a transport security force, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. “Considerable progress has been made in recent months, and this work remains a top priority for all parties involved.” He said progress on the “foundations” of legislation was expected before the end of the year. On Monday, a meeting of the Tallaght Transport Forum ­– a local coalition of transport providers, community representatives and gardaí –­ heard attacks have continued throughout August. Concerns have also been expressed for passengers on the Luas, particularly late at night. The department said investment, targeted enforcement operations and other initiatives have contributed to “significant progress . . . in addressing antisocial behaviour and enhancing the experience of staff and passengers”. It said it was “committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport system, and we will maintain momentum on all fronts until the [proposed] transport security force is in place”.