Louth and East Meath TD Ged Nash has called on residents to support a petition he has launched demanding the immediate introduction of reduced rail fares for Drogheda and East Meath.
The petition comes in response to a recent National Transport Authority (NTA) announcement that the promised September 2024 rollout of fare reductions would now be delayed until the first quarter of 2025.
“After years of tireless campaigning, we were assured that by September 2024, Drogheda and East Meath would be included in the new reduced-fares Dublin commuter zone. This would have significantly slashed rail travel by up to half and supported commuters, families and workers who are currently paying sky-high fares” the Drogheda Labour TD said.
“However, once again, the government and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have let us down, delaying the reduced fares for local commuters until the first half of 2025 at the earliest. As a result, Drogheda and East Meath commuters are set to continue paying nearly double the price for fares on other comparable routes, unless immediate action is taken.
“This delay is simply unacceptable. It compounds the government’s previous failure to introduce the promised hybrid Taxsaver ticket, which would have made monthly and annual tickets more affordable for those working flexibly between home and the city, acknowledging the new reality of flexible working.
“We cannot wait another year for reduced fares. Workers and families are already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, and the high cost fares is forcing too many to continue driving, leading to increased climate emissions.
“I have launched a local petition demanding that the current government and the NTA immediately reduce train fares for local commuters from September 1st, 2024, as part of an interim solution.
“Together, we can make fair fares that Drogheda and East Meath commuters deserve a reality. The petition will be presented to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, and the NTA over the coming weeks.”
You can access the petition on Ged’s Facebook page or click here
