Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Graham for the update. I refer to her last point on submissions. Ms Graham said the NTA received 155 submissions in 2016 and it probably received in excess of that number on one issue in the current strategy that I will raise with her, namely fares along the east coast. This includes Balbriggan versus Gormanston, Laytown and Drogheda.

I have raised this issue with Ms Graham before, most recently on 3 November 2021. Could she give an update on the review of fares, which, as she stated at that time, was ongoing? Ms Graham referenced the NTA's obligations under the climate Act in terms of emissions. A practical effect of the decision to have such a discrepancy in terms of fares is that people get into their cars in Stamullen, a community I represent, and they drive to Balbriggan or Dublin. They just stay in the car. That is a real-life effect that can be measured. Is the NTA measuring that?

Could I get an update on what the NTA is seeking to do regarding the fare discrepancy between Balbriggan and Gormanston, Laytown and Drogheda? Does the NTA recognise it as an issue and is it assessing the impact of it in terms of the travel decisions of commuters?