Sir, – The recent RTÉ Prime Time Investigates programme on anti-social behaviour, drug taking, and violence on our public transport system and surrounding areas isn’t enough it seems for decisive action to be taken by either the Minister for Justice or the Minister for Transport.
They need to grab this nettle before someone is seriously injured or killed.
That we have feral groups of youths roaming platforms, drunks and drug addicts begging or threatening passengers, and workers being assaulted are not enough for either of these Ministers to enact legislation that would see a new transport police force being set up.
While those in Dáil Éireann take a long summer break, the worries and fears for many commuters and workers alike who avail of our transport system will not be eased by the lack of commitment by successive governments and ministers to eradicate or reduce this problem.
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It is time now to set up a dedicated transport police force, separate from An Garda Síochána, with similar powers of investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution, so as to reduce this type of anti-social behaviour and thuggery that this programme highlighted.
Does it take deaths before action is taken, as we have seen in the reduction of fatal accidents and drink driving, or do commuters and transport workers not matter? – Yours, etc,
CHRISTY GALLIGAN,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
