Recruitment for public transport police force could begin by end of next year

Recruitment for a public transport police force could begin by the end of next year.

Plans are underway to introduce legislation to create uniform security, which would have powers of arrest and detention.

The Government is considering the measure as a method to improve safety on trains, buses, and trams, and encourage more people to use the service.

Transport Minister, Darragh O'Brien, said there is a clear need for the presence.

"Those who don't use public transport have a worse perception of it but it is one of the reasons why people who don't use it, don't use it," he said.

"There are certain backspots. We have started the work already on the creation of a transport security force.

"We will have to bring in legislation, and it will supplement the work the guards are doing. This will be a state security force, and what we're looking at is powers of pursuit."