Seán Sherlock Speaking in relation to Leap Card fares for Cork:

For many years I have been focused on delivering Leap Card fares for the Mallow to Cork Rail Line.

It has never made sense that Mallow has been excluded from commuter fares and Leap Card services. 

I believe strongly that people in Mallow and surrounding areas should have the same fare structures as people living in the Dublin Metropolitan area.

That is why I have led the campaign for the introduction of commuter fares for Mallow station.

It was confirmed in writing to me by the National Transport Authority and in person at the Public Accounts Committee.

The change in fares was also confirmed to me by the Chief Executive of Irish Rail. 

We have maintained the pressure on successive governments, on successive Ministers for Transport and the NTA. 

The pressure exerted by the people of Mallow have resulted in this change in policy.

I will continue to work for the people of Mallow to ensure that sustainable, affordable, public transport options are available to the people of Mallow and the surrounding areas. 

A timeline of the campaign to introduce Mallow Leap:

 

• •       December 2016 – Seán Sherlock TD writes to NTA to request Mallow to be included in Leap Zone fare structure. NTA refuse on the basis that Mallow in on the Dublin line
  •       February 2018 – NTA refuse again to consider Mallow as there are no intermediate stops between Mallow and Cork
  •       September 2018 –  Seán Sherlock launches petition to seek public support for Leap Card. Petition hits 1,500 within a week
  •       October 2018 – Data released to Seán Sherlock show over 160,000 tickets were sold on the Mallow to Cork line  from 2016 to September 2018
  •       January 2019 – Data from the NTA shows Leap Card use in Cork up 48% in 12 months. Seán Sherlock again issues call to NTA to include Mallow.
  •       March 2020 –  publication of the Cork Metropolitan Transport Strategy recommends the inclusion of Mallow Train station in the Leap Card fare structures system
  •       March 2021 – Seán Sherlock leads debate with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and calls on him to right an injustice to commuters and exposes an inequality compared to Dublin systems
  •       March 2021 – NTA attempt to delay Mallow Leap introduction, saying that fare subvention measures would be required. Seán Sherlock rejects the answer.
  •       June 2021 – Cork Commuter Line upgrades announced – Seán Sherlock appeals for Leap Card pricing to be included in upgrade
  •       November 2021 – Seán Sherlock questions Secretary General of Department of Transport in Public Accounts Committee urging him to support Leap Card for Mallow. Sec Gen accepts point of introducing to Mallow and other towns.
  •       November 2021 – Seán Sherlock states that absence of Mallow Leap Fares is discrimination against commuters outside of Dublin.
  •       December 2021 – NTA finally commit in writing to Seán Sherlock that they will introduce Mallow Leap Fares in mid 2022
  •       January 2022 – NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham confirms to Seán Sherlock TD in Public Accounts Committee that the fares will be introduced in mid 2022.  
  • April 2022 – Confirmation that fares will take effect on 9th May 2022
  • May 2022 – leap Card Fares go live