Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
892. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends reducing the islander fares on public service obligation transport to and from the islands by 20% in line with the reduction in bus and rail fares; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23473/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the subsidised transport services to the off-shore islands do not fall under the remit of the fare reduction scheme currently being introduced by the National Transport Authority on behalf of the Department of Transport.
While I am open to considering the introduction of a similar scheme for island residents, there are some concerns that applying a fare reduction for islanders on subsidised services could create issues for private operators operating the same routes as the subsidised operators.
I have written to the Attorney General seeking his advice on the issues arising and I expect to receive advices on the matter shortly.
