Government moves to create armed public-transport security force with arrest powers

Ireland’s Department of Transport is close to approving a new transport security force that will replace the private guards currently deployed on trains, the Luas and buses. Designed to resemble airport police, the agency will operate under a central command while allowing input from individual public-transport operators. Personnel from the existing security services are expected to be eligible to join the new body once it is established.

The force will be empowered to make arrests for incidents occurring on vehicles, platforms or bus stops, and officials aim to have it fully operational by 2027. The proposal comes after the National Transport Authority reported that 46% of surveyed passengers have felt unsafe at least once, with a rise in perceived antisocial behaviour in 2025. The Department has not yet sought budget funding, indicating staffing and financing will be addressed later.