GARDAÍ WILL BE based at train stations from next month in a bid to offer quicker response times.

A new garda transport hub will open at Heuston Station from next month and a similar centre will open at Connolly Station later this year.

Justice Minister Simon Harris said today there will be better coordination between transport providers and the gardaí, stating it “simply makes sense” that more gardaí be located close to transport links.

He said people have spoken out in recent times about the need to feel safe on public transport.

A number of TDs, including those within Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, have called for a dedicated transport police to be rolled out. However, it is understood that such a move has been rejected by the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

The minister said today that gardaí already police buses, trains, the DART and LUAS, but added that better coordination between the gardaí and transport providers will ensure gardaí can “respond more quickly” to any incidences that arise.

Minister Harris said the number of gardaí that will be policing train stations and other public transport links is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, adding that it will “vary from time to time”.

“It’s a logical thing to do. It’s something that the Garda Commissioner feels strongly about, and it’s a better use of garda resources,” said the minister.

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications and Transport Martin Kenny and spokesperson on Justice Pa Daly welcomed the announcement today.

Kenny said workers and passengers often feel unsafe on public transport as a small minority of people cause huge distress and harm.

“Both commuters and staff will be happy to see a Garda presence in one of Ireland’s busiest transport hubs from next month, and this is absolutely a step in the right direction.  However, it is simply not enough,” he said. 
 
However, he said there must be a commitment to set up a nationwide transport policing division from both the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Justice.”
 
Daly said the opening of these hubs is important, as gardaí are regularly called out to public transport incidents. 
 
“More and more people are increasingly using public transport to make their journeys. We want to make sure everyone can do so in comfort and while being safe,” he said.