Anti-social behaviour wreaking havoc on public transport services – Troy

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Robert Troy TD has called on Minister Ross to address the anti-social behaviour that continues to plague commuters on public transport across the country. 

Speaking following the latest disruption on the Sligo to Connolly service earlier in the week, which led to a delay of 45 minutes for passengers, Deputy Troy said: “Fianna Fáil has been highlighting the need to tackle rising anti-social behaviour on public transport services for many years now. 

“Both Irish Rail workers and passengers are regularly left distressed and inconvenienced by reckless behaviour.

“Arguments, brawls, people carrying weapons and general soiling of the carriages are all regular occurrences. 

“There are workers who are petrified as they begin their shifts each day and there are passengers who avoid public transport at all costs as a result. 

“Minister Ross needs to take urgent action for the sake of Irish Rail staff and passengers. 

“He needs to engage with Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan on this issue to discuss and coordinate a response to these attacks. 

“The Fianna Fáil election manifesto contained a clear commitment to establish a specific public transport police section within An Garda Síochána. 

“We remain committed to this and believe gardaí, with full powers of arrest and detention, need to be actively patrolling on rail services and in train stations in order to tackle anti-social behaviour,” said Deputy Troy.