Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
170. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the key measures taken to support affordability in public transport since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53493/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m secured by my Department, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025. Both the 2025 and 2026 PSO funding allocations continued to subsidise bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.
Public transport fares remain comparatively low in Ireland. In line with international best practice and to bolster the State’s capacity to invest in service expansion, network improvements, and operational resilience, it is essential we prioritise a reinvestment of fare revenue, ensuring that we can maintain a well-funded reliable system and deliver greater long term benefit rather than reducing fares to unsustainable levels.
For this reason, the PSO Programme is kept under continuous review by my Department's PSO Oversight Group to ensure the network remains financially sustainable, resilient, and responsive to passenger needs amid rising costs. Therefore, maintaining a stable funding base is essential to protect service levels, support future expansion, and to ensure public transport continues to meet the needs of passengers.
In their capacity as fare regulator, on the 27th of April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this on the 18th of January 2024 they published the first of a series of Fares Determination related to the strategy. This has introduced a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. This move, aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled. Any future changes to fare structures, would be considered as part of the national fares policy process and subject to appropriate assessment and approval.
In line with the Programme for Government I am committed to making public transport as accessible and affordable as possible, while also ensuring that our system remains financially sustainable in the long term.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, and in order to provide the estimated costs and measures requested, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
