Minister O’Brien Launches Public Transport Safety Charter to Enhance Security Across Network

The Public Transport Safety Charter has been launched by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, aimed at enhancing safety, security and passenger confidence across Ireland’s public transport network. The Charter was developed by the Public Transport Security Working Group, which was convened in 2024.

Its publication follows extensive engagement with stakeholders including public transport operators, trade union groups, commuter groups, and An Garda Síochána. The Charter takes a collective national approach to making Ireland’s public transport network a safer, more secure and more respectful environment for passengers and staff.

It aims to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour by taking a more consistent, visible and effective approach to safety across public transport. It will provide clear information and channels to report issues, and support enhancement of stations and stops with measures such as lighting improvement programmes, CCTV enhancements, and help information points.

In tandem with the launch, Minister O’Brien also joined staff from across the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network to launch the “Respect the People Behind Every Journey” campaign in Heuston Station. The joint Government of Ireland-TFI campaign promotes mutual respect for everyone on board public transport.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to launch the Public Transport Safety Charter and the Government of Ireland-TFI Staff Respect advertising campaign today. These are important elements of the collective commitment of the Public Transport Security Working Group to fostering a safer, more respectful, and inclusive public transport environment.

We are all aware of the impact that anti-social behaviour incidents can have on passengers and on workers. The Government is committed to delivering a safe and secure public transport network, and we will continue to work collectively to improve public transport safety, and to support and fund security measures by transport operators.

We are continuing to advance the work required to deliver on the commitment to establish a Transport Security Force. Significant progress has been made in recent months, and its establishment remains a key priority.

I sincerely thank all our stakeholders for their continued commitment and collaboration in improving safety across the public transport network.”

Minister of State Seán Canney, with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, said:

“I welcome the launch of the Public Transport Safety Charter, which will strengthen our commitment to the safety of our staff and passengers. I would like to sincerely thank our operators and frontline staff for their unwavering commitment and continued efforts to maintaining a safe public transport network for communities across Ireland.

Together, we share a common goal of providing a safe, secure, and welcoming public transport system for all.”

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, with responsibility for Rural Transport, said:

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Public Transport Safety Charter in strengthening passenger and staff safety, fostering a culture of respect, and supporting a more secure public transport system across Ireland.

I welcome the opportunity it presents for developing and enhancing existing initiatives, such as collaborative work with communities, An Garda Síochána, and community groups on education and prevention. We will continue to work together towards creating a safer and public transport network for passengers and staff.” [sic]

The Public Transport Security Working Group, which comprises a wide range of stakeholder organisations, said:

“The Public Transport Security Working Group is delighted to welcome the launch of the Public Transport Safety Charter, which establishes a shared framework for fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful public transport environment across Ireland. This milestone is the result of a collaborative effort by all members of the Group, who are united in their commitment to proactively preventing and addressing anti-social behaviour, safeguarding and empowering frontline workers, and enhancing the security, and confidence of passengers.”

Through ongoing investment, targeted operations, community engagement initiatives, and cross-government cooperation, which will be supported by the Safety Charter, significant progress continues to be made in addressing anti-social behaviour and enhancing the experience of staff and passengers. The Charter reinforces a fundamental principle: every individual has the right to travel safely on public transport.

The Public Transport Safety Charter will complement the creation of a Transport Security Force, which the Public Transport Security Working Group continue to work towards.

The Charter is available to view on the Department of Transport website.

The Public Transport Safety Working Group is made up of representatives from the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority (NTA), Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, KeolisAmey Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland, the Dublin Commuter Coalition, the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), SIPTU, ICTU, NBRU, TSSA, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.