Kilkenny gardaí spring into action as part of major operation
National day of action sees gardaí, Irish Rail, Luas and NTA target anti-social behaviour on DART, commuter and intercity public transport services across Ireland
Kilkenny gardaí joined forces with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority for a nationwide day of action targeting anti-social behaviour on public transport services.
The Kilkenny Community Engagement Unit took part in 'Operation Twin Tracks' yesterday (Wednesday) Wednesday, alongside Iarnród Éireann and the NTA, according to a post shared by An Garda Síochána Kilkenny.
Gardaí said the operation focuses on public safety, crime prevention and improving rail safety through high-visibility patrols and public engagement.
Among the aims of the initiative are addressing anti-social behaviour on public transport, protecting life and property, engaging with passengers and providing crime prevention advice, supporting rail staff and preventing and investigating crime.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said the operation gives gardaí “the opportunity to maintain a visible presence on board these services while encouraging security and safety on board while preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour.”
As part of the operation, gardaí and transport personnel carried out patrols on Luas services, DART and commuter routes in Dublin, along with intercity rail services nationwide.
Community engagement stands were also operated at stations including Connolly and Heuston, with local community policing members and Crime Prevention Officers engaging directly with passengers.
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Speaking about the initiative, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said the operation “complements the ongoing, proactive engagement between Iarnród Éireann, An Garda Síochána, the NTA and other public transport operators year-round.”
She said joint patrols and garda response hubs across the intercity network demonstrate the partnership between gardaí and public transport operators nationwide.