Public Transport and Fare Increases: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-29
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Seamus Healy (IND), Tipperary South

The Government must reverse the 15% average increase in fares for public transport announced by the National Transport Authority for 1 January. This increase worsens the cost-of-living crisis and undermines climate policy. Switching from private cars to a comprehensive system of public transport, not just in cities but also in rural Ireland, where there is no alternative to private cars, is the most effective action we can take to meet our climate goals. There are billions available in the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to reverse these increases and build a nationwide system of free, reliable and accessible public transport. This fare increase is moving in the wrong direction and is out of step with many of our European neighbours, where public transport is very low cost or even free.
Public transport is an essential public service and must be accessible to all, and I mean all. That means not just people in cities but also those in rural areas, like my constituency of Tipperary South. It is an area where there is limited public transport available and no practical alternative to the private car. If you are from south Tipperary and work in Clonmel at Abbott's vascular division, Boston Scientific, Tipperary University Hospital, Tipperary County Council, MSD, Medite or any other business, you must use a car. If you attend third level in Clonmel, you must use a car. If you shop in Clonmel, you must use a car. If you are from south Tipperary and attend third level in Waterford or Limerick, you must use a car. The Government must prioritise public transport in rural areas.
I also wish to highlight the unacceptable situation at Clonmel Railway Station. Clonmel station is a hub for trains and Bus Éireann services. Large numbers wait for connecting trains and buses there. They wait outside in hail, rain and snow while the station building remains closed. There is no access whatsoever to any service like toilets or waiting areas. I raised this issue again recently, only to be told that while internal works including passenger waiting areas, accessible toilets, a changing place toilet and staff facilities will be carried out as part of an accessibility programme funded by the National Transport Authority, the works will not commence for another two years. That will mean another two years of people waiting in all weathers without toilet facilities or waiting areas. This is not good enough by a long shot. I am asking the Minister of State to intervene to ensure these minor works in what is an existing building commence immediately.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-29