Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has called on the Minister for Transport to make the newest fare changes permanent to encourage the use of public transport.

His comments come as the Young Adult Card was extended to 25-year-olds.

Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:

“At a time when our young people are unable to afford exorbitant rents in areas reasonably near their education institutions or workplaces, they are commuting for longer than ever before. Any fare reduction or encouragement to utilise public transport should have been extended to 25-year-olds from the off.

“Minister Eamon Ryan has introduced some much-wanted fare reductions, but these reductions have only been introduced as a temporary measure in the last two years. As the cost of living continues to affect workers and families across the state, we need to give them a reliable fare reduction that they know will always be available.

“I am calling on the Minister to make all the current fare reductions permanent once and for all. Workers, families, and commuters deserve some certainty around their use of public transport.

“As part of the Sinn Féin Alternative Budget for 2024, I pledged €124.1m to make the 20% wider fare reduction permanent, as well as the extension to the Young Adult Card which allows for a 50% reduction.

“Workers, families, students and commuters have made the change to public transport – whether that is due to cost, climate consciousness or convenience. A Sinn Féin government would ensure they can rely on the current fare reduction for years to come.”