Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
148. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if the allocation of €116 million from the contingency fund to his Department in Budget 2025 will be used for the purpose of extending the fare reductions on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42137/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In the recent Budget 2025 negotiations my Department secured €128 million contingency funding as part of the overall package for the provision of public transport services. Utilising this funding will be of help in the continuation of the provision of the temporary fare initiatives currently in place until the end of 2025. This includes the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services and the young adult card on PSO and participating commercial services.
Funding under this package will also help provide for free public transport for children aged between 5 and 8 years of age with additional funding provided for new measures introduced during the year.
