Gardaí conduct 'day of action' on Cork train services targeting anti-social behaviour  

A day of action against anti-social behaviour saw gardaí conducting proactive patrols of Cork trains — but there are no plans for a similar initiative on buses.

Gardaí, in partnership with Iarnród Éireann, Luas operators, and the National Transport Authority (NTA) conducted a day of action as part of Operation Twin Tracks, which aims to prevent and detect antisocial behaviour on board public transport services.

Gardaí conducted high- visibility, proactive patrols of Luas and Dart services in Dublin yesterday as well as intercity train services across Ireland, including several in Cork.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said the Cork City, North and West Divisions saw garda activity at Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet, and Rathmore stations as well as Cork city, Glounthane, Cobh, and Midleton stations.

Highlighted

The Echo has previously highlighted issues with antisocial behaviour on Cork trains, with complaints about drinking, drug-taking and selling, smoking, men exposing themselves, as well as individuals shouting at passengers and people throwing things, revealed through the Freedom of Information Act.

Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones, of Garda National Community Engagement, said: “This day of engagement allows An Garda Síochána to maintain a visible presence on board these services while preventing and detecting antisocial behaviour.

“It also allows for positive engagement between An Garda Síochána, customers and public transport providers.”

Anne Graham, chief executive of the NTA, said: “NTA and the transport operators work in close co-operation with An Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis to ensure that our customers feel safe and secure while using public transport.

“I welcome the rollout of Operation Twin Tracks as part of that effort, and look forward to our continued involvement.”

Local crime prevention officers and community policing gardaí were also present at Dublin’s Pearse Street, Connolly, and Heuston stations, and a number of regional stations, to engage with commuters and provide guidance on crime prevention. 

Buses

Last month, The Echo highlighted issues of antisocial behaviour on Cork city buses.

Drivers and union representatives told The Echo stories of being urinated on, shot at with air rifles, yelled at, and threatened.

A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána Cork currently has no formal initiative in place with Bus Éireann in Cork.

“However, as part of our ongoing commitment to community safety and public order, gardaí on routine patrols are encouraged to board Bus Éireann services in Cork city.

“This practice aims to assist in the prevention and detection of antisocial behaviour, while also strengthening our engagement with the community.”