IRISH RAIL IS to beef up security on its north Dublin dart services after passengers and drivers complained of incidents of anti-social behaviour on the line.
Drivers had threatened to boycott weekend services on the route due to the worsening nature of the situation seen in recent weeks.
A deal has now been reached between unions and Irish Rail for security to be boosted after 5pm on services operating north of Connolly Station.
“We have been liaising with drivers and representatives to get their insight on the issues faced from anti-social behaviour and to enhance security at key locations to ensure we maintain a safe environment for customers and staff,” an Irish Rail spokesperson said.
As a result, on top of previous increases in security patrols, we will immediately be deploying an additional security team on the northside Dart from this evening, expanding resources at our remote monitoring centre which covers CCTV across the Dart, continuing liaisons with Gardaí and planning some station modifications to address trespass issues.
It’s believed that escalating incidents at Harmonstown and Kilbarrack stations are a particular cause for concern.
“It will be a static security detail, operating from 5pm until close of business,” National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) general secretary Dermot O’Leary told TheJournal.ie.
We’re hoping that the extra security will work. But if it doesn’t thaen the safety of our drivers and customers comes first.
“We have no compunction about withdrawing services if necessary,” said O’Leary, adding that the forthcoming warm weather spell forecast for next week is a cause for concern, given the flashpoints that such weather often brings with it.
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