‘We cannot allow bus services to be driven off our streets by fear', says Dublin TD

Irish Independent

22-04-2025

The driver was waiting to start driving a number 13 bus at Mountjoy Square on Friday night, when a man got on board and pointed a gun at him.
The 7, 7a and 13 bus routes are not serving Mountjoy Square after 7pm as a result.
For Routes 7 and 7a, customers can go to stop 4725 O'Connell Street Upper, while for Route 13, they can go to stop 261 Parnell Square East instead.
Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Fingal West, said greater security on public transport is required.
'Central Dublin bus services were disrupted this weekend following violent threats against drivers – most recently, a terrifying incident where a driver was threatened with a suspected firearm in Mountjoy Square,' she said.
'Recent violent attacks on bus drivers in Dublin have highlighted the dangerous conditions facing our public transport workers.
'These incidents are not isolated. SIPTU has been raising the alarm for months about escalating violence and anti-social behaviour on our buses.
'Our drivers are on the frontlines, serving the public every day, and they deserve to feel safe in their workplaces.
'Drivers are being left to manage rising passenger numbers in an increasingly volatile environment, with little or no added support.
'The Programme for Government made a clear commitment to establish a dedicated Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority.
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'That commitment must be honoured. Delays are putting lives at risk. We cannot allow bus services to be driven off our streets by fear.
'It's not enough to condemn these attacks after they happen – we need a proactive, coordinated response. That means visible enforcement, a dedicated security presence on our public transport.'
Dublin Bus confirmed the incident involving one of their vehicles in the vicinity of Mountjoy Square late on Friday night.
'No customers were on board at the time. We are providing full support to the driver involved and we are liaising with An Garda Siochana,' a spokesperson from Dublin Bus said.
'We will continue to assist them in any way possible. As the investigation is ongoing, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.
'Dublin Bus has been actively working to address the issue of anti-social behaviour, through increased co-operation with An Garda Síochána and strong community work across the city and county.
'In October 2024, Dublin Bus launched its new Safer Journeys Team, aimed at enhancing safety and security across its network.
'This landmark pilot, the first in the company's history, arose from key recommendations put forward by independent security experts, and forms part of the company's ongoing commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers and employees.
'The safety and security of our customers and employees has always been, and remains, our top priority.
'We have consistently lobbied for the establishment of a transport police since 2022. While the commitment in the Programme for Government is a significant and positive step, the key now is timely and effective implementation.'