Sinn Féin’s candidate for Dublin South West, Seán Crowe, has expressed his concern about the possible curtailing of the 27 bus route in Tallaght on Saturday due to anti-social behaviour. The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) is instructing drivers to terminate their routes near The Square shopping centre rather than the actual terminal on Fortunestown Road, between 9am and 6pm on Saturday.

Crowe said he understands the frustration of drivers but is concerned about how this stoppage will affect residents, particularly those that need the service to travel to polling stations to cast their vote.

Seán Crowe said:

“Anti-social behaviour on public transport and attacks on drivers can not be tolerated. Both passengers and drivers must be protected and should not have to deal with any intimidation or violence.

“As a TD for Dublin South West I regularly attend monthly meetings of the Tallaght Bus and Luas Forum to address issues like anti-social behaviour with union representatives, Dublin Bus and Luas management, An Garda Síochána, and local residents.

“I fully understand the frustrations of drivers and dangers they face. Drivers should be free to do a day’s work without intimidation or abuse. I have already called for a dedicated transport police unit to tackle anti-social behaviour on our public transport services and I reiterate that call again.

“I would however ask the NBRU to reconsider curtailing the 27 bus route in Tallaght this Saturday. This is polling day in a very important general election and many citizens rely on this route to get around and travel to the polling station to cast their vote.

“I will continue to participate in any forum to get this issue resolved for the benefit of drivers and passengers on this route and to avoid any curtailing of services on Saturday.”

ENDS