Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment and Workers’ Rights, Louise O’Reilly TD, has today reiterated Sinn Féin’s call for a dedicated Garda public transport unit.

Speaking as she welcomed SIPTU bringing forward proposals for a new Transport Police pilot scheme for Dublin, Cork and Limerick, Deputy O’Reilly said that the government is failing in its responsibility to keep workers and commuters safe.

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“Today’s proposals for a new Transport Police pilot scheme for Dublin, Cork and Limerick, brought forward by SIPTU, add to the growing consensus that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are failing in their duty to keep workers and communities safe.

“For several years now, Sinn Féin has been highlighting the growing concerns of passengers and transport workers. I have had endless conversations with workers, their union representatives and commuters who have laid bare what they are facing day-in, day-out.

“The reality is that there has been a worrying and increasing trend of serious anti-social and criminal behaviour on our bus, tram and train networks. This has been going on for years now, and is leaving passengers and transport workers in fear.

“In recent weeks, Dublin Bus have been forced to employ private security guards with Irish Rail and Luas operators spending millions each to do the same.

“Sinn Féin has been consistent in our call for a dedicated Garda transport unit since 2021, which at the time was strongly opposed by the Ministers for Justice and Transport.

“A Fianna Fáil u-turn in April saw the provision of a transport police unit become one of their pre-election pledges going into the local and European elections.

“But, true to form, there has been no effort by the government parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to progress this commitment in the six months since.

“People are tired of empty words made during election campaigns that never have any follow-through.

“What we needed to see from the government was a detailed plan, with a timeline for delivery, as a matter of priority.

“It has again been left to Sinn Féin in opposition and the trade unions to stand up for the safety of workers and passengers.

“I therefore commend SIPTU for their considered proposals in this area launched today, and I take this opportunity to reiterate that Sinn Féin have been demanding a dedicated public transport policing unit within An Garda Síochána since 2021.”