Assault of Limerick bus driver underlines need for dedicated transport police, union says

National Bus and Rail Union boss said members had been campaigning for a dedicated unit to tackle anti-social and violent behaviour on trains and buses for more than a decade. File picture: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie

The assault of a bus driver has underlined why Ireland needs transport police, the National Bus and Rail Union boss Dermot O'Leary has said.

A driver was hospitalised after an incident on the 343 Limerick to Shannon route this week, in which he sustained cuts to his face and a black eye.

Two men are alleged to have assaulted the male driver, who is in his 40s, during an argument while the bus was stopped on Limerick City’s William Street.

It is understood two people verbally abused the driver before they attacked him.

Bus Éireann has confirmed an incident took place but declined to comment as the matter is being investigated by gardaí.

A spokesperson said: “The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann, and any incidents reported are taken very seriously and are fully investigated.”

Mr O'Leary said the incident underlined the importance of Ireland getting its own transport police.

He said union members have been campaigning for a dedicated unit to tackle anti-social and violent behaviour on trains and buses for more than a decade.

The programme for government includes plans for the unit but there are concerns about how the resources will be fund to deliver it.

Successive transport ministers have repeatedly dismissed the idea, while in October 2022, the then taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was “some bit off" from becoming a reality.

But the Fianna Fáil leader said before last November's general election it was time to establish a transport policing unit, and it has since emerged as a key issue for a number of Dublin TDs in the recent negotiations for a programme for government and coalition talks.

As well as campaigning for such a force, Mr O’Leary has also campaigned for longer sentences for anybody convicted of assaulting transport workers.

Before the general election, he called for the creation of a new offence of verbal or physical assault of transport staff to be tried in the circuit court and to carry a jail sentence of more than one year on conviction.

Mr O’Leary said: “The NBRU welcomes the incoming government's decision to establish a dedicated police resource for public transport but urges caution on the complexities of implementation.

"The union has tirelessly campaigned for this vital resource for many years, engaged with many senior politicians and countless stakeholders.

“We are heartened to see our efforts culminate in a significant commitment from the incoming government.

“It has been a long journey, as we have worked diligently to convince political leaders of the pressing need for this necessary resource.”

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

“We were at one point compelled to seek a mandate for industrial action, highlighting how serious antisocial behaviour and criminality had become on our transport network.

“However, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our frontline members, we have succeeded in bringing this critical issue to the forefront of legislative agendas."