Written answer
An Garda Síochána
Operation Saul coordinates overt and covert Garda patrols across Dublin public transport to address antisocial behaviour, public-order offences and crime, with enforcement continuing.
853. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the effectiveness of Operation Saul in improving safety on public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region; the number of arrests and charges made under the operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64662/26]
Comment on this
Operation Saul was launched in January 2022 for the purpose of coordinating operational activity across the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services across the city. Operation Saul involves the effective management and planned deployment of resources in the DMR to ensure the delivery of both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and criminal activity.
All frontline Garda members carry out activities under the auspices of Operation Saul on a daily basis and as required. As part of Operation Saul, each Chief Superintendent within DMR ensures continued collaboration with key transport stakeholders and providers along with Local Authorities to ensure an integrated approach at key high risk periods. Personnel are deployed to perform overt and covert patrols on board all public transport services (Public Buses, Dart & Luas services), on a daily basis throughout Dublin. Members performing patrols on public transport services take effective action where offences are detected, and initiate charges where appropriate.
I am informed by Garda Authorities that the table below records operational activity for Operation Saul, showing the volume of different types of interactions and enforcement actions across 2023, 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026.
The Garda authorities advise that incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 9 September 2026 and is liable to change.
An Garda Síochána is committed to continuing its efforts in dealing with anti-social behaviour on public transport and bringing those responsible for such criminal acts before the Courts. Members in the DMR will continue to proactively police public transport under Operation Saul as part of our overall response to preventing such antisocial behaviour.