93% witnessed anti-social behaviour on public transport
78% indicated their support for a dedicated Garda public transport unit
36% were a victim of anti-social behaviour
73% said they didn't report anti-social behaviour
A survey conducted by Dublin members of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party has revealed startling results regarding the experience of passengers and commuters on public transport across the city.
The survey, which took in the views of over 1300 people, found that 93% of those surveyed have witnessed some form of anti-social behaviour while using public transport.
More than 30% said they had been a victim of anti-social behaviour and 73% indicated that they had failed to report an incident of anti-social behaviour on public transport.
In light of such startling figures, Dublin members of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party have today renewed their calls for a dedicated Garda transport unit.
Fianna Fáil Senator in Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick said, "Government is rightly investing in public transportation and we are encouraging people to leave their private car at home and take public transport. However, it is now clear that people feel unsafe. The fact that a significant number of people have indicated that they have either witnessed or experienced anti-social behaviour indicates that those feelings are justified.''
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Dublin & TD for Dún Laoghaire, Cormac Devlin stated that "worryingly 93% of respondents said that they have witnessed anti-social behaviour on public transport while more than 36% admitted to being victims of anti-social behaviour. Despite these alarming numbers, 73% of respondents stated that they did not report such incidents. This points to a bigger issue that the existing reporting methods are not fit for purpose and must be radically overhauled in order to make it easier and less complicated for those (who in real time) witness anti-social and criminal behaviour on public transport; Luas, Bus or DART. This is an item that both the Minister for Transport, the NTA, public transport operators and An Garda Síochána must tackle collectively and fast.''
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, Paul McAuliffe, concluded by saying, "It's clear from these results that people are worried about their safety on public transport and this is worrying in terms of the economic impact on the city and on the night time economy. As Dublin Fianna Fail Oireachtas members we want more people shopping in the city centre and enjoying its night time venues. We want Dubliners to feel safe and to be safe.''
The Dublin members of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party will present their findings to the Assistant Garda Commissioner for Dublin later this afternoon.
