Cork bus driver shot with a pellet gun

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a bus driver was allegedly shot in the face with a pellet gun on Thursday evening.

Gurranbraher Gardaí confirmed they were investigating an incident of an alleged assault on the 203 bus in Upper Fairhill area at 5.30pm on Thursday.

The bus driver received what is being described as ‘minor injuries’ from the incident.

Speaking to The Echo, the Gardaí encouraged witnesses, including anyone who had been on the bus at the time of the incident to come forward and speak to them.

Following the incident, Bus Eireann released a statement saying they were cooperating with a Garda investigation into the matter.

“The Gardaí were contacted and were on the scene very promptly. Although such incidents of anti-social behaviour are rare, not only can they cause distress to staff and customers, but they also put at risk the safety of our customers, our drivers and our fellow road-users.” 

Detailing the precautions in place to counteract antisocial behaviour Bus Eireann said: “Bus Éireann vehicles are fitted with driver security screens, internal and external CCTV cameras and drivers also have a direct radio link to the control centres so they can immediately alert a supervisor to any potential antisocial behaviour on the vehicle they are driving.” 

Head of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) Dermot O’Leary said this incident reinforces the need for a dedicated Garda Public Transport Division.

“Are our politicians, in particular, Government Ministers actually waiting for a frontline staff member to be seriously assaulted or worse before they act?

“The NBRU will not stand idly by and allow our members to be exposed to this sort of thuggery, the question also needs to be asked, where does parental responsibility come into the equation?”