Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a recent report by the National Transport Authority which suggests that it will be at least 2028 before contactless payments are available on rail and bus services; the timeline he is working towards on implementing the programme for Government commitment to introduce contactless payments on all public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13243/25]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.

The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project is to provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. - who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

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