Seanad debates

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

10:30 am

Photo of Fiona O'LoughlinFiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Seanad Éireann: agrees that:
- there is a need to deliver a fairer, more efficient, and more reliable public transport system for all;

- it is necessary to incentivise greater use of public transport in order to meet climate targets as set out in the climate action plan;

- it is important to make our public transport more affordable for everyone and not just for commuters in bigger cities;
recognises that:
- currently the short hop zone includes all stations in the Dublin area from Kilcoole to Balbriggan, from Dublin city centre stations to Kilcock and from Heuston Station, Dublin to Sallins and Naas, Co. Kildare, including all DART services;

- commuters from areas such as Newbridge in South Kildare are paying €8.45 to Heuston Station while commuters from Sallins pay €3.90 and areas such as Wicklow Town, Rathdrum and Arklow in South Wicklow are paying between €15.75 and €10.45 to Connolly Station while commuters from Kilcoole pay €3.90;

- many commuters are therefore forced to travel by car to stations in the short hop zone due to the price differential;
and calls for:
- an extension of the current short hop zone infrastructure to all services within 50km of Dublin;

- the creation of a medium hop zone for all services between 50 and 75km of Dublin;

- the rolling out of leap card infrastructure at all services within a 50km radius of Dublin;

- a fairer level of daily fare capping for all commuters nationwide; and

- the establishment of a more equitable distance-based fare rate.

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