233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the decision to increase the Public Service Obligation fares by an average of 15% from January 2027 is consistent with the target in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, as updated by the Climate Action Plan 2023, of a 130% increase in daily public transport journeys by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64817/26]

234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if an assessment was made of the impact of the January 2027 fare increase on low income commuters, on rural passengers and on users of TFI Local Link services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64825/26]

235. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the criteria that will govern the annual review of fares to apply from 2027; whether each annual adjustment will be subject to Ministerial approval; whether it will be laid before the Oireachtas for scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64824/26]

236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if alternatives to the January 2027 fare increase were considered, including the estimated cost to the Exchequer of maintaining Public Service Obligation fares at 2026 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64823/26]

237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if any modelling or assessment was carried out by his Department or the National Transport Authority of the projected impact of the January 2027 fare increase on passenger numbers and on progress toward national public transport journey targets; if so, if that modelling will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64822/26]

238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the additional fare revenue projected to be raised in a full year by the average 15% increase in Public Service Obligation fares taking effect in January 2027; the current annual Public Service Obligation subvention; the proportion of the operating cost of PSO services currently met by fare revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64821/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233, 234, 235, 236, 237 and 238 together.

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 this regard on 3 September 2026, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced changes to the national fare structure for PSO services, effective from January 2027. These changes are the first major revision since 2018 forming part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy and support the continued expansion and improvement of public transport, while maintaining affordability. The NTA has identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport. Subject to the outcome of the annual estimates process, this will represent the biggest in year and year-on-year enhancement of services in many years. They also represent an important step towards standardising fares nationwide, in line with the National Fare Strategy published in 2023.

While adult fares will increase, many child fares will be reduced and young adult fares will remain discounted at 50%, helping to improve affordability for families and young people. The Free Travel Scheme, which is run separately by the Department for Social Protection, will continue for everyone eligible.

Public transport requires ongoing investment to maintain, improve and expand services. Fare revenue helps fund these measures, making it important to balance affordability with inflationary increases. The proposed fare changes support the Government's commitment to continued network growth, service enhancements and climate objectives by funding future improvements, while keeping public transport competitive and affordable.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.