Just Transition

The SMP aims to make it easier for people to travel by more sustainable modes – be that walking, cycling or public transport – thus helping to support objectives in the areas of health, the economy, the environment and climate. In respect of the latter, and acknowledging the potential impacts of decarbonisation on workers, communities, and businesses, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has established a ‘Just Transition Framework’, which seeks to ensure that wider equity, justice and wellbeing considerations are integrated into the implementation of climate action and related policies. Within the context of transport, these objectives are underpinned by the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, and commitments to develop a strategic public transport network, increase Local Link services in rural areas, and keep fares low and affordable.

population), an additional one million benefit from significantly reduced fares (those aged 9 to 25) while PSO fares for the remainder of the population are also heavily subsidised, by up to 64% on the cost per passenger (in 2023), through the Exchequer. Collectively, these initiatives serve to make sustainable transport a more affordable option for the whole population, but particularly families, young people and those most vulnerable to fossil fuel increases.

In addition, the NTA implemented the second part of their previously announced fares determination in two phases during 2025, providing a new, distance-based, zonal fare structure in the Greater Dublin Area. It aims to makes fares equitable, more consistent, and easier to understand, with significant reductions for many commuting from outer areas, aligning prices more closely with distance travelled. The new zones and revised fares will deliver more equitable fares and reduce the disparities which currently exist for some passengers, particularly in the outer commuter towns surrounding Dublin.

Key initiatives to reduce or eliminate fares have been put in place in recent years, including the introduction of the 90-minute fare, the launch of the Young Adult Card which allows those aged between 19 and 25 to avail of an average 50% discount in their public transport fares (SMP Action 53), and a 20% reduction on all PSO public transport fares introduced in May 2022. Under Budget 2025, funding was allocated to the Department of Transport to extend free public transport for children to include those aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-five on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017.

Average fares on all PSO transport services per passenger in Ireland remain low in comparison to other countries and are in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to keeping fares low and affordable.

A key aspect of Just Transition is addressing challenges specific to rural areas. It is well recognised that non-urban areas in Ireland experience hotspots of forced car ownership and transport disadvantage, including high levels of transport poverty. Under Action 32 of the SMP, an enhanced rural transport network is being implemented through the 5-year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. To date, over 150 new and enhanced

Taken alongside more longstanding initiatives such as the Department of Social Protection’s Free Travel Scheme for older and disabled people, these measures ensure that approximately 1.6 million people in Ireland can travel for free on PSO services (30% of the

services have been introduced since the Plan was launched in 2022. New connections have been established to 240 towns and villages, 41 colleges, 61 hospitals and 71 new connections to onward rail services.

initiative was subsequently expanded into 2025. A mid-term review of the pilot showed that almost 1,000 bikes were upcycled as of end June 2023, with just over half of these donated or sold at a low price to groups such as those on low incomes, disadvantaged individuals/communities and those in direct provision centres.

Finally, under Action 43 of the SMP, the Department of Transport in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development introduced a pilot initiative (2022-2024) to develop a scheme for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/ or most marginalised and disadvantaged, via Pobal’s Community Services Programme. The

While the SMP predates the establishment of the Just Transition Framework, it is intended that the next Action Plan will incorporate best practice in this area and that adherence to the Framework will be a guiding principle in identifying new actions to be delivered.

Figure from page 23