Deputy Nash at Drogheda Train Station.
Drogheda’s Labour TD Ged Nash says he is “deeply frustrated” that the introduction of lower fares for Drogheda commuters, first announced a year ago, is being delayed once again.
“A year ago in January of 2024, the NTA made a much-heralded announcement that Drogheda would finally be included in the Dublin Commuter Zone where local commuters could at last, avail of the lower rail fares enjoyed within that zone.
“A year on and the NTA and Irish Rail are continuing to long-finger the introduction of fairer fares for Drogheda.”
“The new fares should have been introduced in September at the latest but Drogheda commuters are being left waiting at the station, yet again.”
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Deputy Nash explained that in recent correspondence with the NTA, he was told that there would be a further delay to the introduction of the lower fares in Drogheda to the end of April, at the earliest.
“Drogheda, South Louth and East Meath-based train users have been used for far too long (as) cash-cows paying unjustifiably high adult daily, monthly and annual rates to use trains on the busiest line in the country “ he said.
“I have campaigned for fairer and more transparent fare structures for many years and I am deeply frustrated at the continuing delays in introducing the lower fares local commuters were promised, a year ago.”
“Last September, I submitted a petition to the NTA, Department of Transport and Irish Rail for the immediate introduction of the lower fares to Drogheda. Now we’re in a new year and it appears that the appeals of hard-pressed local commuters have once again, fallen on deaf ears.”
The NTA sought to explain the ongoing delays in implementing the new fares, saying:
“By way of update, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas are currently working with their ticketing contractors to enable implementation of the Phase 2 fares changes.
“The implementation of the rail fares is being led by Irish Rail and the work requires updates to ticketing systems, ticketing machines and installation of new leap card validators at stations that will now come under the new fares structure.
“We are in regular contact with Irish Rail on this matter. In that context, Irish Rail have informed us that there is likely to be a delay to the previously anticipated completion date of end of March 2025.
“Irish Rail have informed us that the changes are currently expected to be completed by end of April 2025. The NTA is once again disappointed with this and we fully appreciate the impact that this will have on customers but please note that we will continue to work with Irish Rail to minimise or reduce this delay.”
Deputy Nash described the latest postponement as “simply unacceptable”, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“We cannot wait any longer for reduced fares. The high cost of fares is forcing too many people to continue driving, contributing to increased climate emissions.
“Whoever turns out to be our new Minister for Transport needs to have this item at the top of their agenda.”