The Public Expenditure Minister has insisted fare cuts for public transport are only until the end of this year.
The 20% discount was confirmed as part of a package to reduce the cost of living.
Around €300 million of new spending was confirmed yesterday with the Government saying the total package when the budget is taken into account is now €1.5 billion.
The ‘one for everyone in the audience’ element is the energy credit that was previously announced – except now instead of €100 off energy bills people will get €200, likely paid in April.
A once off €125 lump sum is also being paid to everyone in receipt of the fuel allowance, to be paid around Paddy’s Day.
There were also moves to make school transport cheaper, lower the contribution to the drug payment scheme and increase the working family payment.
While people who drive will see nothing on their petrol and diesel bills, there will be 20% off public transport fares
That’s likely to kick in at the end of April.
The Greens are claiming it as a big win – but Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath says it’s only until the end of the year pending a review of state backed transport.
But the first shots in a campaign for free public transport have been fired.
