SIPTU representatives have called for urgent action on measures to combat anti-social behaviour on our public transport network following the shooting with an airgun of a female Bus Éireann driver and SIPTU member in her cab in Limerick earlier on Friday.
SIPTU Transport, Aviation, Energy and Construction Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The time for words of concern on the issue of the increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence on our public transport system is now over. We need real action by the Government to ensure that the public transport system is a safer place for workers and passengers.
“The incident today, while shocking is unfortunately unsurprising. Throughout this year the SIPTU Respect Transport Workers campaign has been highlighting this issue and calling for serious action by the Government to get a grip on it. We are now calling for immediate action by the Taoiseach.
“He must establish a working group, including unions, the transport companies, the National Transport Authority and officials from the Department of Transport and Department of Justice to work towards the introduction, in the short term, of a police unit focused on curtailing the worsening level of antisocial behaviour on our public transport system.”
SIPTU Organiser, Andrew Quigley, said: “Our member was driving a bus today on a route in Limerick City when a group of youths, some mere children, boarded the bus at the terminus and began firing airguns. As the youths were disembarking the bus one of them aimed and shot her with the airgun leaving bruising at the side of her eye.
“The member has been traumatised by the incident as the airgun closely resembled a real firearm and she feared for the worse when she was shot. She has received medical treatment and reported the incident to the Gardai.”
He added: “This incident could have been much worse as it is only good by luck that the driver was not struck in her eye. Unfortunately, such incidents can lead to a curtailment of bus services as we must place our members’ safety paramount. Such curtailment of services often occurs in areas of social deprivation where the public transport network is the main form of transport for many.
“It is deeply unfair that passengers in every community across the country cannot travel in safety. It is the duty of the forces of law and order to protect all our people so they can go about their day without the fear of violence. The Government needs to take action now.”