O’Brien defends bus and train fares hike, says public transport affordable by EU standards
Irish Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has defended a planned 15 percent increase in public transport fares, citing the need to fund 140 new services. Despite pressure from advisory bodies regarding the cost of living, the government maintains that Irish transport remains affordable by EU standards.
Why it matters
The fare hike highlights the tension between government efforts to expand public infrastructure and the immediate financial burden on citizens during an inflationary period.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien defended planned increases in public transport fares as he highlighted the need to fund new public transport services.
O’Brien, who is also Minister for Climate and Energy, was speaking as European energy ministers gathered at Dublin Castle for an informal meeting where energy affordability and security are on the agenda for talks.
The meeting is being held as part of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union .
It was confirmed by the National Transport Authority earlier this month that bus and rail fares are to increase by 15 per cent on average from January.
On Tuesday the Irish Independent reported that the Just Transition Commission, an independent advisory body, contacted the Government urging it to halt the planned increases in fares citing concerns over climate action and the cost of living.
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