Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
131. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the next generation ticketing programme; the expected timeline for national implementation across all modes of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70678/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (or NGT) project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal, ticketing system to Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep fares low and affordable.
The NGT project will represent the most comprehensive overhaul of ticketing and fare payment in recent history of public transport in Ireland. NGT will transform how people travel by bus, Luas, and train and will mean that customers will be able to pay for journeys by tapping their bank card, mobile phone, or other smart device. NGT is being designed to replace Leap and provide the requisite functionality and flexibility for the next ten to twenty years in the area of transit payments.
The scope of NGT covers all public service buses, trams, and train stations including bus validators, ticket machines, ticket vending machines, station gates, tram and train platform validators and an Account Based Ticketing (ABT) solution delivered on modern cloud hosting technologies. Each of these items of ticketing equipment, representing thousands of items, will be replaced under the new system.
It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further roll-outs thereafter.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
132. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the projected operational date for the national train control centre; the current status of commissioning and software integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delays to the national train control centre and associated traffic management system; the revised cost and schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the impact that delays to the national train control centre will have on planned capacity enhancements on the northern commuter line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 135 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the National Train Control Centre or NTCC.
As the Deputy may be aware, the NTCC project is designed to deliver a modern, safe and efficient national train control system that can effectively meet the needs of a growing railway over the coming decades.
The NTCC building was completed in November 2022 but bringing it into operation has been delayed due to complexities associated with the roll-out of the Traffic Management System or TMS, which is the software system that integrates a range of railway systems such as signalling and communications.
As a result, in August I met with the NTA and the contractor, Indra Sistemas, who are responsible for the TMS project. At the meeting, I noted my dissatisfaction at the rate of progress with the TMS and emphasised the importance of project delivery.
More broadly, I will continue to have the NTA keep the NTCC project under close review, with a view to it bringing its benefits to railways users as soon as feasible.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
