Government must scrap fare hikes - Kildare families 'under pressure'

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh has called on the Government to support Sinn Féin's motion to scrap the planned public transport fare increases and introduce free public transport for all under-18s.

Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: "The Government must immediately scrap the planned public transport fare hikes.

"Workers and families in Kildare are already under enormous pressure from the rising cost of living. The last thing they need is for the Government to make it more expensive to get to work, school, college or other essential services. Yet that is exactly what this Government is pressing ahead with.

“Instead of prioritising pay rises for public transport CEOs, they should put ordinary workers and families first and scrap these price hikes.

"Simon Harris says he wants a budget for people who get up early. These are the very people who face long commutes every day, who are already struggling with rising household bills and living costs. Now the Government expects them to pay.”

Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said the proposed fare hikes are “a slap in the face” to ordinary workers, students, pensioners and families.

What compounds the issue, she claimed, is that meanwhile, “millions of euros” are being “squandered” through “waste, overruns and failed projects.”

She added: “The Government claims it wants more people using public transport, but its actions tell a different story. Increasing fares while asking people to leave their cars at home makes no sense. It sends entirely the wrong signal at a time when households are looking for relief from soaring costs.

"Sinn Féin is offering a better alternative. Our motion calls for these fare hikes to be scrapped, to invest in more services and for free public transport to be introduced for all under-18s.

"No child should miss out on opportunities because of the cost of travel. Free public transport for young people would help families with the cost of living, encourage public transport use and make our transport system more accessible for everyone.

"This comes down to political choices. The Government can make workers and families pay more, or it can choose to support commuters and invest in affordable public transport. Sinn Féin believes the choice is clear."