Outrage as west rail passenger threatened with sexual 'punishments'

ANTI-social behaviour on trains on the Westport-Dublin line continues to be highlighted, with several passengers lodging complaints about their frustrations with the service, writes CLAIRE McNAMARA.

Details released under the Freedom of Information Act show 40 complaints were lodged with Irish Rail last year relating to extreme anti-social behaviour and intolerable conditions that passengers were forced to endure.

Several of the complaints relate to intimidation, drinking and abuse, which is causing 'fear, stress and anxiety' to other passengers.

One passenger travelling from Westport to Dublin was forced to change carriage on three occasions due to disruptive and disrespectful passengers.

Another passenger travelling from Dublin to Westport last November described the carriage they were on as a 'disgrace' due to the physical and verbal abuse they received from a certain cohort of passengers.

They also allege that their six-year-old daughter was slapped and pushed by a group of four children who were also in the carriage.

A separate passenger also alleges they were sexualised and horrifically verbally abused by three intoxicated men, who threatened them with numerous sexual 'punishments'. As a result, the passenger felt traumatised, scared and disgusted.

Another couple travelling with a very young baby were left terrified when an intoxicated man fell over onto the baby's buggy. They also alleged they witnessed drugs being sold on the train.

Passengers on another carriage were forced to endure threatening, rowdy and drunken individuals, who used obscene language.

The lack of zero security and zero enforcement of alcohol control was highlighted by another passenger, who was subjected to incessant noise, disgusting language and intimidation by a number of drunken men.

Barry Kenny, communications manager with Irish Rail, said: “Anti-social behaviour is a societal issue to which we are not immune. Each issue is investigated and we liaise with the gardaí to address instances of anti-social behaviour, including provision of CCTV.

“As you highlight, alcohol is a factor in a significant number of these incidents. During 2018, we placed alcohol restrictions on some weekend Westport line services, where issues had been reported to us.

“We have also now begun the introduction of customer service officers on board Westport line services who - while their primary focus will be customer service - will ensure customers have a person on board to whom they can report concerns, and who can seek the support of security teams or gardaí, if necessary.”