Plans are advancing for a dedicated public transport policing unit with powers of arrest and pursuit, according to Darragh O'Brien. The Minister for Transport confirmed that detailed work is underway to establish the new Transport Security Force, which would operate across trains, buses and trams nationwide.
Addressing the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Mr O’Brien made clear that the proposed unit would not replace the national police service. “The Transport Security Force will have, and I intend them to have, powers of arrest and pursuit but they will work closely with An Garda Síochána because there's only one police force in the Republic,” he said. He stressed that the initiative is designed to support — not duplicate — the work of An Garda Síochána.
The proposed force would function in a similar manner to airport policing units, with officers in uniform tasked specifically with maintaining safety and security across the public transport network. However, significant legislative changes will be required before the unit can become operational. Lawmakers will need to establish the exact legal framework governing its authority, including arrest, detention and pursuit powers, as well as consolidating existing transport bylaws.
Mr O’Brien indicated that both the Transport and Justice committees will play a central role in shaping the legislation. The new service is expected to be centrally managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), ensuring nationwide oversight and coordination.
The minister previously outlined the practical need for pursuit powers, particularly in situations where suspects leave vehicles or transport premises. “If you’re on a Luas line and someone does something on the Luas and actually gets off the Luas, you’ll need someone to be able to pursue that person,” he said in summer 2025. He emphasised that the objective is to create a State security presence dedicated to public transport, operating in close cooperation with existing policing structures.
Recruitment for the force could begin by the end of 2026, provided the necessary legislation is enacted. “What we’re looking at are powers of arrest and detention and pursuit… This is something that we will deliver and it will require legislation,” Mr O’Brien stated, adding that discussions with the Minister for Justice and key stakeholders are already ongoing.
Once established, the unit is expected to enhance passenger safety while reinforcing the broader national policing framework.
