Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the measures taken or proposed to ensure that the transport sector is capable of doing its job without contributing to inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, transport is a derived demand - one that is driven by economic and social need. A cost-efficient sector, including affordable and accessible public transport services, is vital to a functioning economy.
In this context, a number of measures have been taken to ensure services remain affordable. In Budget 2022, my department secured approximately €538m of funding for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Local Link services. €25m was also provided for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC). This new measure will enable any person aged between 19 and 23 years old to avail of an average fare discount of 50% across all public transport services, including city, intercity and rural services.
Further, as part of a suite of new measures being introduced by Government to help combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country, a 20% average fare reduction on PSO services is also due to be introduced over the coming weeks. These discounted fares, which will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day, will cost €54m and will be in place until the end of 2022.
Finally, in relation to the impacts of increasing biofuel rates on fuel prices, an offsetting policy measure of a 1c per litre reduction in the NORA Levy and a 1c per litre reduction in excise has been introduced in agreement with the Minister for Finance. The excise relief takes effect from 1 April 2022 and will be in place until Budget Day in October 2022.
