At the Fianna Fáil party Ard Fheis in Dublin, Tánaiste Micheál Martin announced plans to establish a dedicated transport police force to address crime and anti-social behavior on public transport.

Martin emphasized the need for a targeted approach to tackle the specific challenges faced by commuters and public transport workers.1The proposed Transport Garda Unit would focus solely on policing public transport services, with a particular emphasis on addressing anti-social behavior.

Drawing inspiration from similar units in major capital cities like London, Berlin, Paris, and Prague, the initiative is seen as a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.

Initially planned for Dublin, the initiative aims to expand to other Irish cities, including Cork, in the future. The move comes in response to growing concerns about safety on public transport, with incidents of abuse and violence reported by both passengers and transport workers.

Despite previous resistance from Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, the government is determined to move forward with the proposal. 1Recruitment efforts to bolster Garda numbers are also underway, with recent drives attracting thousands of applicants.

The initiative has garnered support from transport workers' unions, such as Siptu, which has long advocated for dedicated transport policing. Their survey revealed that four out of five public transport workers have experienced abuse while on duty, highlighting the urgent need for action.

As the government works to finalize proposals for the dedicated transport police, the initiative is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of those who rely on public transport services across the country.