Launch of the new Garda public transport response hub in Athlone

It is intended to support flight attendants with antisocial behavior.

A new Garda unit to combat anti-social behavior in public transport is launched tomorrow in Athlone.

A number of Garda Response Hubs have already been operational since December 13 to support staff on board train and bus services, including in Portlaoise.

Responding to a parliamentary question, Deputy Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed that the Athlone hub will begin operations on January 1, 2022.

Additional intervention centers in Kildare (Kildare Town or Newbridge) and Roscommon (Castlerea) are in preparation.

Minister Naughton said her department has regularly engaged with the National Transport Authority and the three CIÉ companies on the issue of anti-social behavior.

Iarnród Éireann says that a joint focus, with An Garda Síochána, on public order and anti-social behavior has been in place since May 2021, with a particular focus on Heuston’s services in Portlaoise.

The Minister added that she “will continue to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and the safest possible working environment for employees providing our valuable services. public transport services “.