Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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316. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an estimate of the annual financial impact that the new increased fare zones will have on commuters in Kildare north in comparison to previous fares, particularly those in Zone 2 towns in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25888/25]

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. The Fares Strategy followed the previous implementation of a simplified fares structure for Dublin, and proposed an approach that is more equitable, consistent and easy to understand for passengers, where fares are linked to distance.

Following the publication of the National Fares Strategy, the NTA published a fares determination in January 2024, covering the ‘Dublin City Zone’ (25km from city centre – extending to Rush, Rathoath, Blanchardstown, Bray etc.) and ‘Dublin Commuter Zone (50km from city centre – extending to Drogheda, Kildare, Rathdrum etc.).

The second phase of the previously announced fares determination was implemented on Monday the 28th of April, and included new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares. The new zones and revised fares will deliver more consistent and equitable fares and reduce the disparities which currently exist for some passengers, particularly in the outer commuter towns surrounding Dublin. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025.

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.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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317. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will provide information on the NTA’s intention to rollout further changes during 2025 in relation to increased fare zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25889/25]

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. The Fares Strategy followed the previous implementation of a simplified fares structure for Dublin, and proposed an approach that is more equitable, consistent and easy to understand for passengers, where fares are linked to distance.

Following the publication of the National Fares Strategy, the NTA published a fares determination in January 2024, covering the ‘Dublin City Zone’ (25km from city centre – extending to Rush, Rathoath, Blanchardstown, Bray etc.) and ‘Dublin Commuter Zone (50km from city centre – extending to Drogheda, Kildare, Rathdrum etc.).

The second phase of the previously announced fares determination was implemented on Monday the 28th of April, and included new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares. The new zones and revised fares will deliver more consistent and equitable fares and reduce the disparities which currently exist for some passengers, particularly in the outer commuter towns surrounding Dublin. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025, including revised commuter bus fares, which are expected to be implemented next month.

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.