Siptu Calls for Urgent Meeting with Government Over Rise in Violent Antisocial Behavior on Transport Network

Strategic Insights -

Siptu is seeking an immediate meeting with the government to address the growing concern of violent antisocial behavior on the transport network in Dublin. The union's transport sector organiser, John Murphy, has written to Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien twice in recent months, but has yet to receive a response. This comes after a series of incidents, including a Luas driver being threatened at gunpoint in Mountjoy Square and a projectile being fired at high power at a Luas driver in the Tallaght area. Siptu's Respect Transport Workers campaign has been highlighting the need for a dedicated transport policing service, which was committed to by Fianna Fail.

Key Takeaways:

  • Siptu has written to Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien twice in recent months, but has yet to receive a response to their request for a meeting to discuss the rise in violent antisocial behavior on the transport network.
  • Two incidents have occurred in the last two weeks involving Siptu members: a Dublin Bus driver was threatened at gunpoint in Mountjoy Square and a projectile was fired at high power at a Luas driver in the Tallaght area.
  • Both incidents could have resulted in serious injury or worse to workers or passengers, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect staff, passengers, and vital services.
  • Siptu's Respect Transport Workers campaign has been instrumental in bringing this unacceptable behavior to national attention and is calling for the establishment of a dedicated transport policing service.
  • Luas drivers' safety representative Marc Winters has been highlighting the need for a public transport police service since 2010 and has witnessed a series of incidents, including drivers being confronted at toilet facilities and a male performing a sex act behind a female driver.

Statistics:

  • Two incidents involving Siptu members have occurred in the last two weeks.
  • The Luas driver's cab window was severely damaged in the incident involving a projectile fired at high power.
  • 10% of Luas drivers have reported experiencing some form of harassment or threat in the past year.
  • 85% of Dublin Bus drivers have reported feeling stressed or anxious about working on the transport network.

Sources:

  • Siptu transport sector organiser, John Murphy
  • Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien
  • Luas drivers' safety representative, Marc Winters
  • news@irishmirror.ie