Number of anti-social behaviour incidents on Irish Rail services increased by 50% last year

In its annual report, Iarnród Éireann said there were 1,523 reportable incidents of anti-social behaviour in 2024, compared to 1,023 the year prior, and just 548 in 2021. File picture: RollingNews.ie

The number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported to Irish Rail increased by almost 50% last year, as the Government says creating a dedicated transport police was an “important priority”.

In its annual report, Iarnród Éireann said there were 1,523 reportable incidents of anti-social behaviour in 2024, compared to 1,023 the year prior, and just 548 in 2021.

The company categorises anti-social behaviour incidents differently, based on a “harm test”, where if an incident is deemed to pose a risk of harm to customers and staff it becomes reportable, such as an assault, compared to incidents of boisterous behaviour, which is non-reportable.

“Increased security patrols and detection, with additional resources seeing interventions at major terminus stations, has contributed to the increase in incidents recorded,” it said.

A new monitoring group has also been set up led by Irish Rail’s chief security office, which it said liaises with a dozen rapid Garda response hubs on its intercity network in case such issues escalate.

It said this cooperation allows Irish Rail to liaise directly with gardaí to address incidents of anti-social behaviour.

In recent years, calls have strengthened for a dedicated transport police in Ireland similar to other jurisdictions, to help tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport services.

Although previous governments had ruled out the introduction of such a force, it did form part of the most recent programme for government.

Irish Rail said level crossing near misses were down by one to 14 reported in 2024. It said there had been a 'considerable investment of resources to mitigate this issue'. Picture: Irish Rail

Prior to the Dáil breaking for the summer, transport minister Darragh O’Brien said he did not have an “exact timeframe” for when it would be established.

“Suffice it to say that this is an important priority,” he said, in response to questions from Labour's transport spokesperson Ciaran Ahern.

“We first have to agree the way forward as regards the structure of the force. It will operate under the National Transport Authority, but we need to consider its interaction with An Garda Síochána, from which it will be separate. We will then need to draft legislation. In the meantime, An Garda Síochána is working on this.” 

Mr O’Brien added Irish Rail had increased security spending by 41% this year, while Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and the Luas were also ramping up their security resources.

“That will continue while we continue to prepare legislation to establish the force,” he said.

Elsewhere in its annual report, Irish Rail said level crossing near misses were down by one to 14 reported in 2024. It said there had been a “considerable investment of resources to mitigate this issue”.

Bridge strikes fell from 95 to 80 in 2024, a decrease of 16%, which it attributed to the installation of advance warning lights.

Overall, passenger numbers topped 50.7 million in 2024, which was the highest ever recorded.

Irish Rail added: “The company believes it will grow volume by a further 10% in 2025 through a combination of natural commuting demand and revenue management interventions.

“There is increasing evidence that hybrid and remote work may not be as embedded as was predicted, and we may see the acceleration of return-to-office policies.”