Irish Rail promises more Garda presence on trains as staff vote on industrial action

Gardaí will travel on some trains as part of new security measures but union says steps do not go far enough

Transport staff have reported ‘downright thuggery’ on some trains over recent months. Picture: RollingNews.ie

Irish Rail has promised to increase the Garda presence on trains this Christmas as staff threaten to strike over safety issues on public transport.

The state rail company has committed to providing walk-through inspections on high-risk services, and has created new “response hubs” in Cork and Limerick, after staff reported significant levels of anti-social behaviour on transport services.

Operations with the Gardaí are also in effect this Christmas in the Dublin area in an attempt ...