It's intended to support on-board staff with anti-social behaviour.
A new garda unit to help combat anti-social behaviour on public transport is being launched in Athlone tomorrow.
A number of Garda Response Hubs are already in operation since December 13th to support staff on-board train and bus services, including in Portlaoise.
Responding to a parliamentary question, Junior Minister for Transport Hildegarde Naughton confirmed the Athlone hub will commence operations on January 1st 2022.
Additional Response Hubs in Kildare (Kildare Town or Newbridge) and Roscommon (Castlerea) are in the pipeline.
Minister Naughton says her department has been engaging regularly with the National Transport Authority and the three CIÉ companies on the issue of anti-social behaviour.
Iarnród Éireann says a joint focus, with An Garda Síochána, on public order and anti-social behaviour has been in place since May 2021, with a particular emphasis on Heuston to Portlaoise services.
The minister added that she will "continue to work collectively with all stakeholders to ensure the safest possible travel environment for members of the public, and safest possible working environment for the employees providing our valuable public transport services."
Public Meeting Set To Take Place On Proposed Westmeath Climate Centre
Offaly Teacher Who Faked Two Pregnancies Avoids Further Jail Time
HSE Seeks Retention Permission For Coffee Dock At Laois Hospital
Offaly Pupils Become Local Stars After Publishing Bestselling Book
Katie Taylor To Fight At Croke Park In September
Offaly Gardaí Renew Appeal For Witnesses To Firearm Incident
Cruinniú Na nÓg Returns With Workshops And Events Across Region
Ukrainian President Seeking Face-To-Face Talks With Vladimir Putin
Ireland’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 109
Midlands Hospice Long Overdue - Hospice Fundraising Committee
Westmeath Town Set For First Official Pride Parade This Weekend
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business
€1bn Data Centre And Energy Campus Approved For Westmeath
Laois TD Criticises Lack Of EV Charging Infrastructure
JFK 50 Mile Challenge Returns To Midlands
Midlands Man To Stand Trial Over Alleged €200k Deception Case
EPA Seeks Tougher Action On Illegal Peat Cutting
Laois Shop Owner Hopeful Businesses Will Be Helped By Over The Shop Grant
Laois Councillor Backs Council Buying Derelict Town Centre Properties
Midlands TD Calls For Public Access To Rare Disease Treatment