20/07/2015

FF Calls For Dedicated Garda Transport Unit

Fianna Fáil is calling for a dedicated Garda Transport Unit following the disturbance to DART services caused by a brawl on the train on Sunday evening.

A row broke out on a northbound train at Salthill and Monkstown stations, causing DART services to be suspended for over 40 minutes.

Councillor Cormac Devlin commented said it is unacceptable that DART services can be held hostage by a group of thugs.

He said: "The public have every right to expect a reliable service and feel secure as they go about their business.

"I would like to commend Irish Rail staff and the Gardaí for their handling of the issue. However, this disturbance should serve as a wake-up call for policy-makers. This is not the first disturbance on the DART service this year. We regularly hear reports about the public feeling unsafe on the service, particularly at night time. While Irish Rail employ dedicated security, they do not have power of arrest or the other powers enjoyed by Gardaí."

(CD)

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