Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Not alone should we use the existing State bus fleet efficiently, we should bring in the private operators also to meet the demand which clearly exists. I refer to the DTA and fare structures. It emerged during the debate on the DTA Bill that the new authority can identify transport trains originating outside of the Dublin area which are deemed to be fare-controlled by the authority. A number of what is termed "promotional fare" increases are due from Iarnród Éireann. Will the DTA be able to deal with these increases? There are many inequalities and injustices in the fare system. Locations equidistant from Dublin pay widely differing fares and there is no uniformity. Commuters, especially those north of Dublin in counties Meath and Louth suffer greatly. A commuter pays a Dublin fare as far as Balbriggan, however when one goes beyond Balbriggan to Louth or Meath one pays through the nose, which is unfair. Iarnród Éireann has refused to deal with this matter.

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