Bus services temporarily stopped in one Limerick area following assault of driver
The incident happened this afternoon (Friday, July 12)
BUS services in one Limerick area have been temporarily stopped while a garda investigation is carried out in the wake of a female bus driver being assaulted by a number of youths during her work this afternoon (Friday, July 12).
A garda spokesperson told Limerick Live that investigations are ongoing and that the driver did not require immediate medical attention.
The injuries have been described as minor, but she was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The driver has only been working for the company for two weeks.
Some reports on social media suggest she was shot in the face with a pellet gun.
The incident happened on the route 303 (Kilmallock Road to Pineview) in the O'Malley Park area of Southill just after noon.
A spokesperson for Bus Éireann said they will be making any CCTV available to gardaí for their investigation.
The spokesperson said: "Bus Éireann services have currently been removed from the area as gardaí investigate. Intending passengers are encouraged to check the services update section of our website for updates."
They added that any antisocial or criminal behaviour towards staff or customers is not tolerated by the bus company.
Customers can report any incidents to gardaí, to the bus driver or to the customer care team in Bus Éireann on 0818 836611 or [email protected].
In a statement from the National Bus and Rail Union, they described the incident as being "disgraceful and extremely dangerous."
They said that a gang of youths refused to pay the fare and threatened the driver, who let them on board and that one of the youths shot her in the face just below her eye as they were disembarking.
Senior national executive member Stephen Nugent said: "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, our politicians, particularly those in government need to move immediately to protect frontline transport workers and those that use public transport."
People can check available buses here.