SIPTU representatives and Bus Éireann management are to meet to discuss the adverse impact anti-social incidents are having on transport services in the Drogheda area, following a marked increase in problems, particularly at the town’s main bus depot. 

SIPTU Organiser, Andrew Quigley, said: “SIPTU members in Drogheda have raised serious concerns relating to anti-social behaviour, in particular on late night and early morning services. These incidents occur across services but more specifically there has been an issue resulting from gangs of youths preventing buses from leaving the depot which has caused major delays. 

“Last week, SIPTU wrote to the company requesting that it convene a meeting with union representatives to discuss what measures must be taken to ensure the continued operation of these vital community transport services. It has now been agreed that SIPTU representatives will meet with management to discuss the issue.” 

He added: “We will also be seeking a larger meeting of all the relevant stakeholders including the Gardaí, service users and elected representatives. However, it is our members firm belief that the issue of worsening anti-social behaviour and abuse on the public transport network necessitates the establishment of a transport policing service.”

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: “The solution to the crisis of anti-social behaviour on our public transport network, which is accepted by our members and the Government, is the creation of a standalone transport policing service. SIPTU has been calling for the introduction of such a service as part of our Respect Transport Workers campaign.

“The Government has accepted our case on this issue and included the creation of such a body in its Programme for Government. Our members stand ready to work with all stakeholders to make the creation of such a service a reality in as short a time frame as possible.”

He added: “However, prior to this goal being achieved services must continue to operate in all communities. We believe the engagement with stakeholders to immediately bring greater safety for workers can be done in tandem with the work necessary to establish the foundations of the new transport policing service.”