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<\/p>\nCalls are once again being made for a dedicated public transport police<\/p>\n
Stock photo(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A Dublin Bus driver was attacked in the city centre while attempting to help a man lying injured on the ground.<\/p>\n
The incident happened in broad daylight on Thursday, July 23 along Bachelor’s Walk in Dublin city centre. The driver was left injured and shaken by the gang of youths who attacked him.<\/p>\n
While the incident is being investigated by gardai, calls have been made for the Government to take action. SIPTU are once again calling on the Government to fulfil its commitment to establish a Transport Police Service.<\/p>\n
SIPTU Dublin Bus Representative, Stephen Millane, said: \u201cIn mobile phone footage, a bus driver can be seen asking a group of youths to stop attacking a man lying on the ground at a bus stop. The youths then turn their attention to him, and he is forced to grab onto a pole and attempt to protect himself as they physically assault him.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur member was left injured and very shaken by the incident, which is being investigated by An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na. However, the sad reality is that this is far from an isolated incident. SIPTU members continue to report being physically assaulted while carrying out their work on the public transport network.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Union has highlighted the increase in these incidents through our Respect Transport Workers campaign, launched in 2024. However, we still await the promised Government action on establishing a dedicated Transport Police Service.\u201d<\/p>\n
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: \u201cIn its Programme for Government, published in January 2025, there is a clear commitment to establish a policing unit operating under the National Transport Authority, with powers similar to the Airport Police to apprehend and detain persons committing crimes on the public transport network.<\/p>\n
\u201cSIPTU representatives have sought to work with the Government to make this a reality in line with Minister for Transport Darragh O\u2019Brien\u2019s previously stated aim of having such a force operational by 2027. Unfortunately, we have yet to see concrete action by the Government, which would likely include the need for new legislation, to establish such a publicly controlled force with the necessary powers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncidents such as Thursday\u2019s attack once again show the clear need to implement the agreed plan to establish a new policing unit modelled on the Airport Police.\u201d<\/p>\n
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