Expansion of initiative delivers on key Programme for Government commitment
Fianna Fáil TD and spokesperson on Transport, Shane Moynihan has welcomed the announcement that children aged 5 to 8 will now be eligible for free travel on all Transport for Ireland (TFI) services.
Some 263,000 children nationwide can travel free with a TFI Leap Card, following confirmation from Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The scheme applies to all TFI public transport services, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, and LUAS. Children under 5 already travel free, and this expansion ensures no child is charged for public transport until their ninth birthday.
Deputy Moynihan said: “This is a really positive development for families right across the country. Providing free travel for children up to their ninth birthday eases the financial burden on households and makes public transport a far more attractive option for families.
"It also delivers on a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to make transport more affordable, more accessible, and more sustainable.
Deputy Moynihan highlighted the broader benefits of the measure, “This initiative is about more than cost savings. It encourages the use of public transport from an early age, helping to build sustainable travel habits and reduce emissions.
“Families in both urban and rural areas will benefit, and I believe this will be warmly welcomed across the country.”
Encouraging families to take up on the initiative, Moynihan added, “The Leap Card is available to all children up to their ninth birthday. Families can apply today at leapcard.ie.
“This builds on the progress we’ve made in recent years to reduce fares and improve accessibility, and I’m delighted to see another initiative introduced that makes a real difference to people’s everyday lives,” he said.
Concluding he said: Fianna Fáil is committed to better connectivity, sustainable transport, and easing the cost of living for families - this announcement is another step in that direction.”
ENDS
For more information on the application process and the Child 5-8 Leap Card, please visit: https://about.leapcard.ie/child-5-8-tfi-leap-card
