Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount by which a child’s fare from Balbriggan to Dublin Connolly has increased following the new zonal adjustments introduced 28 April 2025 under the National Fares Strategy; the amount by which a child’s fare from Skerries to Dublin Connolly has increased following the new zonal adjustments under the National Fares Strategy; what this increase is for child leap card users; what this increase is for child ticket holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22080/25]

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 April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, aiming to deliver a more consistent, equitable, and transparent fare structure for all passengers. Following this, the NTA commenced a phased roll-out of revised fare zones and structures. Phase 1 of this Fares Determination was implemented in June 2024, focusing on fare changes for towns and shorter journeys within Dublin.

As the Deputy may be aware, the second part of this Determination is being implemented in two phases: Phase 2A (from Monday, 28 April 2025) introduced new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares; and Phase 2B (to be introduced later this month) for revised commuter bus fares.

The most significant development is the introduction 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. Further details can be found at www.transportforireland.ie/fares/new-fare-zones/.

These changes, including the latest implementation of Phase 2 on 28th April 2025, have been designed to deliver a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand.

Alongside this, Budget 2025 includes funding for the continuation of popular public transport fare initiatives including the 90-minute fare, the Young Adult/Student Leap Card, and the discounted fares on PSO services, with further provision to extend child fares to include those ages 5-8 years of age in Q3 of this year.

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