Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority that all children between the ages of 4 and 18, who have a leap card, will receive free travel on public transport until August 24th.
“I am pleased that the National Transport Authority has taken the initiative to provide free access to public transport for children aged 4 to 18 who have a leap card. These children can avail of free travel on the Swords Express, Dublin Bus, the DART, short-hop Irish Rail services in Dublin and Bus Éireann services in the Greater Dublin Area until August 24th.”
“With the end of the summer holidays fast approaching, this promotion will allow families to utilise public transport to a greater degree for leisure activities, and to enjoy the last few weeks before children return to school. It also serves as to promote the cheaper leap fares available to those aged 18 and under. As of August 1st this year, the fares which were previously available to those between 4 and 15 were expanded to include those aged 16, 17 and 18. This will work to promote public transport as a viable alternative to the family car on the school route.”
“The extension of these fares is great news for families throughout the North County and it will hopefully contribute to alleviating the financial pressure placed upon parents as children return to school. As Dublin Fingal has the youngest population in the State, there will be many school-age children who will be able to benefit from this expansion. 16 to 18 year olds will have to register for personalised leap cards to avail of the lower ‘Schoolchild’ fares and this can be done at www.ChildLeapCard.ie.”