Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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221. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to remove Balbriggan and Skerries from the short hop zone for train passengers; if he understands that this will cost commuters an additional €450 per annum; how this will help to achieve the Government’s emissions targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As 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.

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.

The most significant change in the fare determination was the implementation of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. This represents a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to fact that commuters in north County Dublin have to purchase combined annual tickets, Bus, Train, DART and LUAS, without regard to the their actual needs (some may only use one form of transport); if he can advise if there are any plans to amend this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As 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.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.