The commitment to establish a Transport Security Force, as outlined in the new Programme for Government, has been widely welcomed by SIPTU as the union has sought public feedback on anti-social behaviour across the transport network as part of its ‘Respect Transport Workers’ campaign.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour, during a meeting of the Public Transport Safety Working Group in late March. The group includes representatives from the unions, the National Transport Authority (NTA), An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, in addition to passenger representative groups.
The creation of a Transport Security Force is seen as a strong commitment under the Programme for Government. It’s envisaged that the new force would operate in a similar manner, and have similar powers, to both airport police and customs officers.
The Department of Transport has started work to identify the necessary legislative proposals and alterations to enable the establishment of this force. The Minister said that it remains “a high priority for Government” and highlighted the important role that the group will play in the planning and implementation of this commitment.
