'Day of action' to combat anti-social behaviour on trains

Gardaí are patrolling rail services around the country as part of a day of action to combat anti-social behaviour on public transport.

Operation 'Twin Tracks' is taking place on eight Intercity rail routes as well as on DART and Luas services in Dublin.

The operation is being carried out in partnership with Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority.

Last month, SIPTU called for the establishment of a dedicated public transport police service to combat abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour on buses, trains and trams.

The union said that recent surveys of its members have highlighted the growing problem of abuse and anti-social behaviour on the public transport network.

Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones of the Garda National Community Engagement team said today's operation will see gardaí patrolling on board trains, DARTs and the Luas "preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour."

NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham welcomed the day of action and said that transport operators work in close co-operation with gardaí on an ongoing basis to ensure the safety of passengers.

As part of Operation 'Twin Tracks' local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing gardaí will be in Pearse Street, Connolly and Heuston stations, and a number of regional stations, while LUAS Red and Green Line and DART services in Dublin will be patrolled.

Gardaí will also be patrolling the following eight Intercity routes:

Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division
Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Manulla Junction, Foxford, Ballina, Castlebar and Westport stations.

Galway Division
Galway, Oranmore, Athenry, Attymon, Woodlawn, Ballinsloe and South from Athenry, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort.

Sligo/Leitrim and Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Divisions
Sligo, Colloney, Ballymote, Boyle, Carrick on Shannon, Dromod, Longford and Edworthstown.

Kildare/Carlow Division
Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin, Athy and Carlow stations.

Wicklow/Wexford Division
Bray, Greystones, Wicklow, Rathdrum, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford, and Rosslare stations.

Limerick / Tipperary Divisions
Limerick, Limerick Junction, Castledonnell, Birdhill, Nenagh, Cloughjordan, Roscrea, Ballbrophy, Templemore, Thurles, Tipperary, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick on Suir.

Cork City, North and West Divisions (2 routes)
Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet and Rathmore StationsCork City, Glounthane, Cobh and Midleton stations.