Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
369. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the schemes funded through his Department which subsidise public transport; if such apply to non-PSO operators; the allocation of such, by scheme and by allocation to operator, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme, is a State funded scheme, administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA), to run socially necessary but commercially unviable public transport services. The programme is funded through a combination of Exchequer funding and passenger fare revenue.
While my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, it is the NTA that have the statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA are also responsible for the operation and budgeting of State supported PSO public transport services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation will ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card (YAC) for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The 5-8 year old Leap Card was introduced as part of Budget 2025, where the Government committed to extending free child fares on PSO services to include those aged 5 to 9. Previously, free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017. The expansion of the free child fares for those under aged 9 years of age was implemented on the 3rd of September 2025. These targeted initiatives were designed to help with the cost of living for families and to encourage children to start using public transport from an early age. The previous Government's decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators.
In terms of YAC, commercial operators may opt into this scheme on a voluntary basis. Those who decide to opt in are compensated 50% for the fare foregone. It is important to note that while the NTA has the responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under PSO contracts, the NTA does not have a role in the setting of fares for services provided by commercial operators. That is a matter for the individual operators themselves. The Deputy is advised that only individual commercial operators can provide information regarding any fare subsidisation or fares structures for their respective businesses.
Improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government.
