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Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Dart to launch text alert system aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour next month

The service will be live-monitored by central security.

A TEXT ALERT system aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour on the Dart will be available to passengers next month, Irish Rail has announced. 

The move comes amid increased reports of anti-social behaviour in recent times and concerns for passenger safety.

From July, commuters will be able to discreetly report any issues they witness or experience on board the Dart by texting a security centre, Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny said. 

The service will be live-monitored during all operational hours by a central security monitoring hub, “who can then liaise with staff and security teams to ensure issues are responded to and addressed,” Kenny added. 

The system is expected to go live early next month.

Passengers who text the system will be charged the “standard text rate”, Kenny said, with the overall cost of the system expected to be around €100,000 per year. 

Last November, there were calls for increased security along Dublin’s Dart line after a teenager was rushed to hospital, while a second was arrested following an incident between Killester and Harmonstown stations. 

Following a rise in anti-social behaviour on the service, Kenny of Irish Rail said the company has “increased the number of security patrols as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour issues, and have been liaising with Gardaí both to proactively plan initiatives and resources”. 

“While the overwhelming majority of journeys occur without incident, we have been experiencing an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents, so are determined to take the necessary measures to reverse this trend,” Kenny said. 

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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Murphy
    Favourite Neil Murphy
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    Jun 8th 2011, 3:36 PM

    Turned it off. Dangerous times. /Tinfoil Hat

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enda Lee
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    Jun 8th 2011, 2:36 PM

    Started using it about 5 weeks ago. Its not very accurate but i wouldn’t be very concerned about data protection.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony O'Donnell
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    Jun 8th 2011, 3:09 PM

    Enda remember how Facebook started out small, look at monster its developed into. I would be concerned about the future implications of all this effort by Facebook to get you to part with as much info about yourself as possible.Its only a matter of time before they start dna sampling and micro chipping babies at the rate technology is taking over.

    15
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    Mute Ryan Murphy
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    Jun 8th 2011, 6:56 PM

    If you retain the ability to untag yourself, I fail to see a problem.

    It’s also highly unlikely that an automated face recognition facility will be very effective, given the variations in image quality that are out there.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OnlyMeWorld.com
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    Jun 8th 2011, 9:18 PM

    Don’t you think it’s funny our government can’t even obtain this kind of information about it’s citizens without a court order, but facebook and other social networking site have been given the latitude? Why not, for the government it’ll be like going to the library and avoid dealing with the ACLU, Lawsuits, etc., Wait is this the facebook that has like buttons all over the web and can track your whereabouts? Not the same facebook that bowed to china, and doesn’t allow it’s chinese users to talk about politics and religion is it? OnlyMeWorld.com the new alternative to facebook. No Real Names, No Email!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Armands Adfghsdh
    Favourite Armands Adfghsdh
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    Jun 10th 2011, 2:45 PM

    You, my friend, are an idiot. Who wants to spend their time on website full of fake profiles? On facebook people provide their real name – you always know who you are talking with. Okay, I haven’t provided my real second name, but by name and pictures my friends still know who I am.
    Second thing – don’t base your website on dissing massive companies, you’re not gonna get far with that.

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    Mute Louise Bermingham
    Favourite Louise Bermingham
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    Jun 8th 2011, 5:03 PM

    (Bit of devils advocate here) is the flip side of the privacy argument that this will notify you of photos being posted up by people you don’t know, while your friends might think twice about posting embarrassing photos others might not. This way you know who has what of you.

    5
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    Mute Brendan Walsh
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    Jun 8th 2011, 4:18 PM

    So what if your Tagged in a photo ,who cares switch face book off, go out side take a walk take up golf read a book or play a board game with friends or family .Facebook who says you have to even use it ,…How do the people in China live without it !

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    Mute Nigel Kenny
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    Jun 9th 2011, 8:45 AM

    China has it’s own popular social networking sites with content control.

    3
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