Budget raises public transport fares while extending fuel tax cuts, sparking criticism
Opposition figures and commuter groups denounce the budget’s 15% rise in public transport fees alongside continued fuel excise reductions, saying it will push riders back into cars.
Budget 2027 includes a planned 15% average rise in public transport fares starting in January, coupled with an extension of fuel excise cuts. Commuter advocates, led by Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, claim the package encourages private car use and undermines affordable, reliable transit. Labour’s transport spokesperson Ciarán Ahern called the approach “utterly regressive,” pointing out that fare-paying riders help reduce congestion and emissions yet receive no comparable support.
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman criticised the unchanged budget for walking and cycling, saying it effectively cuts funding when adjusted for inflation. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the fare increase is required to finance new and expanded services, and that the National Transport Authority will review fares annually, though he declined to predict future hikes. He added that Ireland’s overall affordability remains favourable compared with similar nations.
Why it matters
Higher transit costs may shift commuters to cars, affecting congestion, emissions and household budgets.
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