Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he would outline any further proposals to reduce public transport fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4356/25]

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.

That being said, the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured €658.442 million of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024).

This includes funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on both PSO and commercial bus services, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been secured to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5- to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus and rail services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, and for further information, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.