Offaly councillor hits out at proposed fare increase for public transport

An Offaly councillor has hit out at the proposed fare increase for public transport.

The revised fares, proposed by the National Transport Authority, are set to take effect from the beginning of 2027.

The proposed change will see Local Link fares increase by an average of 15% for single journeys, while the 50% Student/Young Adult discount would be retained and child fares set at 33% of the equivalent adult fare.

For national services, Bus Éireann stage carriage fares also proposed to increase by an average of 15%, while Intercity rail Express fares would increase by 10% and Economy fares by up to 20%, with a review of rail promotional fares also proposed.

Sinn Fein councillor Aoife Masterson has shared her frustration, noting that while "Government continue to refuse to act on the fuel crisis ... it’s putting up bus and train fares by 15%."

"People can’t afford to drive, and now it’ll cost them more not to. In Offaly, public transport isn’t there to fall back on.

"Since September 6, the last Sunday bus from Birr to Dublin leaves at 5.25pm. The Local Link from Tullamore to Edenderry doesn’t run at weekends. Neither does the one from Banagher and Birr to Thurles. Clara has been promised a second platform at the train station for years, and there’s still no money for it."

She added that claims the increase will lead to better services is "putting the cart before the horse".

"That would only be credible if there was a capital budget to back it up. There isn't. People are being asked to pay more now for services that may never come.

"People here are already getting less than they should. They shouldn’t be asked to pay more for it."

For more information on the proposed fare increase, go to: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/nta-fares-determination-2026/