Over 200 sexual assault, harassment reports to Irish Rail
More than 200 incidents of sexual assault or sexual harassment have been reported to Iarnród Éireann over the past ten years.
Between 2016 and 2025, Ireland's rail operator Iarnród Éireann received 206 reports of sexual harassment or assault from passengers. These incidents, compiled through a Freedom of Information request, range from inappropriate touching to public masturbation or the taking of inappropriate pictures. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the National Bus & Rail Union are calling for a dedicated Transport Security Force to address these issues.
Some of the reported incidents include teenage girls and children being sexually assaulted, inappropriate touching, and men following women on trains or platforms. While the exact number of such incidents may be higher, as many people may not report them, the incidents are described as "really shocking" by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
The government is reportedly actively working towards a Transport Security Force, but one expert notes that primary legislation for such a force could take over two years to pass. Iarnród Éireann maintains that incidents are taken seriously, with staff trained to keep passengers safe and involving gardaí when necessary.
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