Commuters need a break in Budget 2027
Commuters need a break in Budget 2027 - The Labour Party
- Overcrowded train services must be addressed
Labour’s social protection spokesperson and Kildare South TD Mark Wall said Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil must address the issues facing commuters in Budget 2027.
Deputy Wall said:
“This Budget must protect commuters. At the height of a cost of living crisis and as the price of fuel soars, Government simply must reverse the public transport fare increases.
“Government were able to find almost €1.2 billion to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel for people who drive to work just days before this decision to hike public transport fares was announced. Commuters using public transport have every right to ask why they don’t deserve similar supports.
“So many commuters across the country rely on our bus, rail and light rail infrastructure to get in and out of work. Increasing costs makes no sense. Labour’s alternative budget would reverse these fare increases and provide funding for expansion of the network to make public transport more affordable, more accessible and more reliable.
“I am deeply aware of the overcrowding problems on our train service coming in and out of Kildare stations. Our overstretched transport system needs serious investment. We need extra carriages as well as a more enhanced hourly service to get people in and out of our cities effectively.
“Budget 2027 cannot ask commuters to carry more of the cost. Instead, it should see proper funding for reliable public transport as essential infrastructure. Keeping public transport fares affordable is central to this.”
ENDS
Labour’s Alternative Budget is available here with Public Transport and Active Travel proposals on pages 28-30: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Labour-Alternative-Budget-2027.pdf