Extra garda patrols are set to tackle increased violence and vandalism incidents at Luas stops.
In recent months, stops along the Red Line, including the Fettercairn, Cheeverstown and Fortunestown Luas stops, have been vandalised - including damage to shelters, screens, and ticket machines - and have seen an increase in violent incidents.
Speaking at the JPC Policing Meeting on Friday, Superintendent Ian Lackey from Tallaght Garda station, said: “From last weekend on, we have put in dedicated additional high-visibility patrols on the Luas and on the bus. "
Meanwhile Cllr Emma Murphy, outgoing Chair of the JPC, said: “I’m glad to see gardai stepping up their involvement.
“I know the Luas have their own security but it can’t just be left to private security, this is putting commuters and staff at risk.
“It is a huge problem for drivers. They are not equipped to deal with this, and they shouldn’t have to. If a driver has to call security to deal with a problem, this brings that tram to a halt and leads to delays for other services on the line. "
A garda spokesman told Dublin Live that they are investigating a number of criminal damage incidents, which occurred at the Citywest Campus Luas Stop on 28 January.
They said: "Gardaí from Tallaght Garda Station have and continue to work in collaboration with LUAS management to address any issues relating to incidents associated with LUAS. There is a regular forum held with both LUAS and other transport providers.
"Separately under Operation SAUL, Gardaí in the DMR South Division, DMR North Central and DMR South Central Divisions are involved in a coordinated operation along the Red LUAS Line involving high visibility and covert patrols to negate anti-social behaviour, public order, assaults and tackle other related activities.
"The objective of this operation is to provide for the safe commute of passengers on the Red LUAS Line, furnishing local residents, visitors and stakeholders with a safe environment in which to go about their daily lives."
In recent months Luas set up a security text service to target antisocial behaviour and stop “intimidating” behaviour on the trams.
Commuters are urged to text the keyword ‘LUAS’ followed by the tram number where applicable and / or the location where the incident is taking place to 51444.
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