Limerick bus driver suffers injuries after being assaulted at bus stop

A LIMERICK bus driver is recovering from his injuries after he was assaulted in a shocking incident over the weekend.

Limerick Live understands the male bus driver had pulled in to the stop on Parnell Street in the city to allow passengers on and off when he was punched by the assailant.

Last July, a female bus driver was shot in the face with an air gun in Limerick.

In another incident, a group of youths got on a bus, refused to pay and then threatened to shoot the driver if he didn't take them to a location not on the route. Separately, a razor blade was left sticking out of a bus seat.

A garda spokesperson said they were alerted to an incident of assault in Parnell Street, Limerick city at around 2pm on Saturday, October 19.

“No arrests have been made in relation to this incident. The investigation is ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.

READ MORE: WATCH: Shocking footage emerges of female Bus Éireann bus driver shot in face by an air gun

A Bus Éireann spokesperson said they are aware of an incident that occurred on one of their 304A services in Limerick on Saturday, which resulted in a Bus Éireann driver “sustaining minor injuries”.

“The incident is under investigation by An Garda Síochána. Bus Éireann is providing assistance as required, including making CCTV available to gardaí.

“Bus Éireann does not tolerate antisocial or criminal behaviour towards our customers or staff. Any incident of anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable and treated very seriously,” said a garda spokesperson.

They continued: “The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann and any reported incidents are fully investigated. Customers can report any incidents to the driver, gardaí or to our customer care team on 0818 294 015.”

Last summer, the National Bus and Rail Union called for greater protection of their workers.