"Ongoing threats" putting Tallaght's public bus service in jeopardy

By Mary Dennehy

An appeal has been made to the entire community to work together in protecting Tallaght’s public bus service, after a recent meeting of the Dublin Bus/Luas Community Forum highlighted a number of “ongoing threats”.

According to Tallaght Central councillor Charlie O’Connor, “effective action” is needed to combat the “ongoing threats” of anti-social behaviour and vandalism to Dublin Bus services.

Dublin Bus stock

Action was called for by Cllr O’Connor after the monthly meeting of the Dublin Bus/Luas Community Forum, which, held in the Killinarden Enterprise Centre, was attended by gardai, management and union reps from Dublin Bus, Luas management, South Dublin County Council, members of the community and local politicians.

According to Cllr O’Connor: “Reports at the meeting covered a number of incidents of stone- throwing across a numbers of areas.

“Over the past few months there have also been reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour that have affected the bus service and I am fearful that the bus service to our communities may be withdrawn on occasions – which has happened in the past.”

Acknowledging the co-operation of the local gardai in relation to these issues, Cllr O’Connor added: “We must also appeal to all residents in our estates to note the importance of protecting our bus service, and parents and guardians must take responsibility for those young people who are breaking the law and jeopardising this essential service to the communities.”

Cllr O’Connor said that the issue will remain on the agenda of the community transport forum.