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12th July 2024
06:04pm BST
A female Bus Éireann driver has been taken to hospital after reportedly being shot in the face with an air gun in Limerick on Friday afternoon (12 July).
According the National Bus & Rail Union (NBRU), the incident occurred on the 303 service after the bus driver in her 30s was approached by a gang of youths at a bus stop.
"They refused to pay their fare and began threatening the bus driver to let them on board the service," the union's Senior National Executive Member Stephen Nugent said.
“The driver became very frightened and intimidated by the gang and decided to let them on.
"When leaving the bus, one member of the gang produced an air gun and shot the female driver in the face, hitting her just below the eye."
Nugent also described the "anti-social behaviour" as "disgraceful and extremely dangerous".
In a statement to JOE, Bus Éireann confirmed it is currently "investigating an incident that occurred in the O’Malley Park area of Limerick on a route 303 service (Kilmallock Rd - Pineview) this afternoon".
"This matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána and Bus Éireann will provide any assistance required, including making CCTV available to Gardaí," a spokesperson said.
"Our driver is reported to have received minor injuries and has been taken to hospital as a precaution."
@SimonHarrisTD @MichealMartinTD @rodericogorman @Martin_Kenny @ivanabacik @MickBarryTD
— DermotoLeary NBRU GS (@DermotLeary) July 12, 2024
At which point do we as a Society say: ENOUGH is ENOUGH? Waiting for someone to be seriously injured, or worse? @NBRU_DUBLIN
call for Garda Public Transport Unit needs urgent implementation pic.twitter.com/Lw0duxyxV7
Bus Éireann added that services have currently been removed from the area as the Gardaí investigate.
Intending passengers are encouraged to check the Service Updates section of Bus Éireann's website for updates.
"Bus Éireann does not tolerate antisocial or criminal behaviour towards our customers or staff. As this matter has been brought to the attention of Gardaí, we are not in a position to provide any additional information on this specific incident," the spokesperson added.
"The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann and any incidents reported are taken very seriously and are fully investigated. Customers can report any incidents to Gardaí, to the driver or to our Customer Care team on 0818 836 611 or via customercare@buseireann.ie."
A Garda spokesperson also told JOE: "Gardaí in Roxboro Road were alerted to an incident in O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick on a bus this afternoon Friday 12th July, 2024 at approximately 12.10pm
"The female bus driver, aged in her 30s was assaulted by a number of youths but did not require immediate medical attention. Investigations ongoing."
Local NBRU reps have requested that Bus Éireann "immediately withdraw services in the affected area until such time that assurances on safety are forthcoming".
“This appalling incident once again demonstrates the immediate requirement for the longstanding call from the NBRU for a dedicated Garda Public Transport Unit to be established," Nugent added.
"Our politicians, particularly those in government, need to move immediately to protect frontline transport workers and those that use public transport.”
Stock main image via Rolling News
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