Commuter fare zones
Deputy Dempsey said new fare zones disadvantage Meath towns without rail access and sought exceptions. The Taoiseach agreed the point had logic, noted implementation difficulties and said he would raise it with the Minister.
Meath West commuters eagerly anticipated the new commuter fare zones being announced but they were disappointed in April to find out those only related to rail fares. We were disappointed again in recent weeks when the bus fares were announced. My own town of Trim only saw a minimal decrease in the fare but towns like Navan and Athboy saw an increase. The rationale given is that these fares now cover bus and rail. Unfortunately, as the Taoiseach well knows, we have no access to rail lines in towns like Navan and Athboy. I ask that an exception be made in areas that have no rail line and for these fares to be reduced. Meath has a huge amount of commuters leaving it every morning. We have the longest commutes in the country, mostly in cars, so we need that incentive for commuters.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Dempsey very much for raising what is a very important point. If we look at our climate change objectives, I can see the logic of what she is advocating for. It might be difficult in terms of implementation. Navan does not yet have the rail line, although the Government is committed to it and work is under way. I will talk to the Minister involved and raise the point Deputy Dempsey has raised. I understand the motivation because Meath is a very significant county where a lot of people are commuting on a daily basis.