Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has welcomed the Garda day-of-action taking place today, known as Operation Twin Tracks, which aims to combat anti-social and criminal behaviour on public transport.

However, he has cautioned that it will not be as effective as a specialised transport policing division of An Garda Síochána.

Teachta Kenny said:

“I welcome Operation Twin Tracks. Any day-of-action that will improve the safety of our transport workers, commuters and tourists is always welcome. However, it cannot negate the very clear need for a dedicated Public Transport Policing division within An Garda Síochána.

“We see far too often that both transport workers and passengers are attacked on public transport by a small minority of people that cause huge distress and harm. We need to recognise that this is quite serious, criminal behaviour and can only be dealt with by An Garda Síochána.

“For the last number of years, I have engaged with unions, workers, commuters, Gardaí, and indeed the Justice Minister around the need for a public transport policing division within An Garda Síochána.

“Each time I brought the concerns of staff and commuters to the Minister, there was a clear hesitancy to listen to the experiences of the public and transport workers when it came to their safety onboard public transport.

“If we want people to use public transport as an alternative, we need to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable journey. The Ministers for Justice and Transport are both failing commuters and transport staff in this regard.

“Commuters and transport workers deserve more than a piecemeal day here and there. They deserve a well-resourced, dedicated division of An Garda Síochána to deter and detect antisocial and criminal behaviour on public transport and at transport hubs – something that would be a priority for Sinn Féin Minister in government.”