Offaly TD says nearly 7,000 in county will benefit from free travel 'companion pass'

An Offaly TD said thousands of people in the Midlands will benefit from the planned introduction in September of a free travel 'companion pass' for the people aged over 70.

Some 482,612 people across Ireland will be able to avail of the companion pass according to Fine Gael's John Clendennen, who said 6,888 people in his own county would be eligible.

"From September, people over 70 will have an entitlement to receive a Free Travel Companion Pass. This means those aged 70 or over can have another person, aged 16 or older, travel with them for free on transport services," said Deputy Clendennen.

"This will make a real difference in people's lives. If you have to travel to a hospital or medical appointment, you can bring somebody along with you on public transport for free.

"For day trips, concerts, family events, and matches, people over 70 can be reassured that they don't have to miss out for fear of traveling alone, they can bring a companion along with them for free.

"The Department of Social Protection is now writing to eligible persons to inform them of their entitlement to the Free Travel Companion Pass from September 2025."

He described the measure as an important one and said his party had been responsible for introducing it in the last Budget.

"I'm delighted that so many people in Offaly will benefit from this measure.

"I would encourage people to look out for correspondence from the Department and follow the advice to make sure they are ready to hit the road on the bus or train from September," he concluded.