An Garda Síochána has launched a nationwide special operation called “Operation Twin Tracks” to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime on Ireland’s public transport network in response to growing safety concerns.
The joint initiative involves An Garda Síochána, Irish Rail, Transdev Ireland (Luas operators) and the National Transport Authority (NTA), with gardaí deployed on the Red and Green Luas lines in Dublin, all DART services, and intercity routes nationwide.
The operation covers major divisions including Dublin, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Kildare, Carlow, Wicklow, Wexford, Limerick, Tipperary and Cork.
In addition to patrols on trains and trams, public engagement stands will be established at major intercity and Dublin city stations where gardaí will provide advice on crime prevention and personal safety to passengers.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphreys of the Garda National Community Engagement Division said Operation Twin Tracks allows gardaí to maintain a visible presence on services, promote safety and prevent and detect anti-social behaviour.
The operation comes as the government works on long-term safety measures for public transport. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has described anti-social behaviour on public transport as a “serious concern.” He is working with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to introduce legislation establishing a new uniformed transport safety unit with powers of arrest and detention.
However, the Public Transport Workers’ Union has called for a different approach, urging the appointment of specially trained social care officers to work alongside the new transport police. The union says transport workers regularly encounter vulnerable people “who have nowhere else to go,” suggesting a more comprehensive support strategy is needed.
The initiative reflects ongoing concerns about passenger and staff safety on public transport systems, particularly following recent incidents of violence and intimidation on Dublin’s bus, Luas and DART services.