John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work ongoing in his Department to examine the further expansion of free public transport for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22845/25]

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.

The Government recently confirmed its commitment to improving public transport under the new Programme for Government (PFG)- Securing Ireland’s Future and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the bus and rail network. Specifically included in the PFG are commitments to:

Roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and keep fares low and affordable; and

Examine the further expansion of free public transport for children.

Budget 2025 included funding for the continuation of 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. However, it did not include a provision for the introduction of free public transport to people under the age of 18.

I am sure we can agree Deputy, that it is essential that Government continues to invest in our public transport network and that we are supportive of the Government's commitment towards delivering an accessible, affordable, and reliable public transport network throughout the country.

Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider funding and, if necessary, entering into a public private partnership, in order to deliver a new transport hub for the mid Louth/ Drogheda area that would include a new train station, park and ride and bus facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/25]

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) is leading the development and roll-out of strategic park and ride sites nation-wide through the Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO).

The function of the PRDO is to enable and advance the delivery of strategic Park and Ride sites in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport agencies across all regions of the State, by providing full-time specialist recourses on these projects.

I am currently unaware of plans for a new train station on the north side of Drogheda, though this can be kept under review as the population changes. An additional station would require funding and would have to secure relevant approvals required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. Iarnród Éireann will engage with any parties proposing a new station and my Department will continue to keep me informed of this issue.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development and roll-out of strategic park and ride sites, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply.