Urgent action needed to protect Dublin Bus drivers – Boland

Dublin Bus drivers have been subject to attacks in recent weeks which has thrown into sharp focus the need for greater security on our public transport, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Dublin Fingal West’s Grace Boland explained: “For the third evening in a row, central Dublin bus services were disrupted this weekend following violent threats against drivers—most recently, a terrifying incident where a driver was threatened with a suspected firearm in Mountjoy Square.

“Recent violent attacks on bus drivers in Dublin—including a chilling incident where a driver was threatened with a suspected firearm—have highlighted the dangerous conditions facing our public transport workers.

“These incidents are not isolated. SIPTU has been raising the alarm for months about escalating violence and antisocial behaviour on our buses. Our drivers are on the frontlines, serving the public every day, and they deserve to feel safe in their workplaces.

“This pressure has been further intensified by the suspension of train services north of Connolly Station, which has pushed even more commuters onto already-stretched Dublin Bus routes. Drivers are being left to manage rising passenger numbers in an increasingly volatile environment, with little or no added support.

“The Programme for Government made a clear commitment to establish a dedicated Transport Security Force under the National Transport Authority.

“That commitment must be honoured. Delays are putting lives at risk. We cannot allow bus services to be driven off our streets by fear.

“It’s not enough to condemn these attacks after they happen – we need a proactive, coordinated response. That means visible enforcement, a dedicated security presence on our public transport.

“I am calling for on the Minister for Transport to hold an urgent meeting with bus drivers, their unions, and public representatives to map out concrete actions to restore safety and confidence on our buses.”