Sinn Féin Senator and member of the Committee on Transport, Lynn Boylan, has said the people of Dublin need to see the urgent delivery of a dedicated public transport policing unit.

Her comments follow the publication of a survey by trade union SIPTU, exposing extensive harassment and violence that staff are subjected to on the city’s public transport.

Senator Boylan said:

“Sinn Féin have been demanding a dedicated public transport policing unit since 2021. This is particularly crucial for people living and working in Dublin.

“Communities deserve to feel safe and protected, however too many people in our capital city feel unsafe and badly let down by government.

“This survey by SIPTU exposes the totally unacceptable violence and harassment transport workers are subjected to as they go about their work. These workers have my full solidarity and support.

“Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Transport, Martin Kenny TD, has raised the issue of a public transport policing division continuously with the Minister for Transport, the junior minister for Transport, and the Minister for Justice. Each time, all three government parties have denied any need whatsoever for a dedicated public transport police.

“Last week, after years of campaigning by Sinn Féin, trade unions and commuters, the Tánaiste said that Fianna Fáil would finally support the introduction of such a transport policing unit.

“While this is long overdue, I welcome that government appears to be finally waking up to the reality that workers and passengers face. Government now needs to stop dragging their heels and finally act.

“Unfortunately, we know this government has a talent of telling people what they want to hear without any follow through. This must not be allowed to happen with this important issue.

“I am calling on government to outline a detailed plan, with a timeline for delivery, as a matter of priority. People need action, not rhetoric.

“A Sinn Féin government would stand up for Dublin and ensure that our capital city gets the support it needs to thrive. People in Dublin should be able to feel safe and protected on public transport and throughout the city.”