Increase in commuter fares raised in the Dáil

Taoiseach, Micheal Martin has made a commitment to raise concerns about recent bus fare increases in Meath with the Minister for Transport.

The Taoiseach made the commitment in the Dáil chamber when the issue was raised by Deputy Aisling Dempsey.

The Meath West TD said: “Commuters across Meath West welcomed the announcement of new commuter fare zones, but were left disappointed in April when it applied only to rail fares. That disappointment deepened in recent weeks with the bus fare changes.

“In my hometown of Trim, the fare reduction was minimal, while towns like Navan and Athboy actually saw increases. The rationale offered was that fares now cover both bus and rail, but as we know, these towns have no rail service. It’s only fair that areas without rail access, like Navan and Athboy, be given an exception and see their bus fares reduced.

“Meath has some of the longest commutes in the country, with most people relying on cars. We need meaningful incentives to shift towards public transport. With our population and regional importance growing, it’s vital that national infrastructure plans reflect this reality.”

In response, the Taoiseach acknowledged Deputy Dempsey’s concerns.

“Your point is well made, especially in the context of our climate targets. While implementing changes may be challenging, Navan doesn’t yet have a rail line, though we are committed to delivering it, and work is underway. I will raise this issue with the Minister for Transport. I understand the motivation behind your proposal, and I agree Meath plays a major role as a commuter county.”

Welcoming the Taoiseach’s pledge, Deputy Dempsey added: “We’ve made real progress on transport nationwide, but it’s now about building on that and ensuring fairness for all commuters, especially in towns like Navan and Athboy. While we await the rail line’s delivery, I look forward to working with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport to find a fair, effective solution for Meath commuters.

“No community should be left behind as we improve transport infrastructure and reduce costs. Towns like Navan and Athboy, with their regional importance, must be part of the progress.”

Under the new pricing structure, fares on commuter services provided by both Bus Éireann and Go-Ahead Ireland have changed with some decreasing, some increasing, and some largely unchanged.

Since Monday 16th June, there has been an increase on the single Leap fare from Navan to Dublin from €5.60 to €6.30 and from €7.70 to €8.10 for Athboy. However, customers in those areas who are still paying cash for their journey can make a saving by switching to Leap.

The single Leap fare from Ashbourne to Dublin decreased from €3.36 to €2.40 and the fare from Ratoath dropped from €3.64 to €2.40. The fare from Dunshaughlin fell from €4.06 to €3.70. Customers from Trim saw their fare reduce from €7.35 to €5.30.

Fares on services operating in Meath as part of the Dublin city bus network to places such as Clonee and Dunboyne have not changed. This includes the 70 and the 270.