Calls for dedicated transport police unit as Irish Rail pays €23m for private security

TDs have called for a permanent Garda presence on public transport similar to transport police units that operate in other European countries. Picture: Dan LInehan

Irish Rail has spent more than €23m on private security firms contracted to protect passengers over the past five years.

With €7.5m now being paid on private security at train and bus stations each year, the Government is being urged to introduce a new dedicated transport police unit.