Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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265. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to respond to correspondence received (details supplied) in relation to the 2025 Taxsaver fares determination and the new fare structure coming into effect in June this year; if the commuter zone tickets will be extended to Dundalk given the significant number of people commuting to Dublin on the train on a daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14039/25]

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.

This area was selected based on a review of future public transport network proposals, for example the implementation of DART+, along with analysis of ticket sales information to determine travel demand. Later Phases will include the introduction of free transfer flat fares in the regional cities and certain towns and distance-based fares for the rest of Ireland, outside towns and cities.

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.