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30th September 2024
10:13am BST
The Green Party has reportedly secured free public transport for children under 9.
According to reports, the proposal is part of the current Budget 2025 negotiations.
The proposal will see all children under the age of 9 avail of free public transport in Ireland.
The scheme is currently only available to children aged under five, but it would cost about €8 million per year to extend it further.
It will undoubtedly be welcomed by parents of school children who are trying to save what they can amid the cost of living crisis.
The Green Party also believes the measure will encourage parents to use public transport more.
They're urging families to avail of public transport when commuting to school as it will benefit the environment and families financially.
The Green Party has secured free public transport fares for under 9s as part of the Budget talks, sources have indicated.
— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) September 29, 2024
Currently, only children under five qualify for free public transport
They believe this is a "win-win scenario".
The introduction of free travel for under 9s will also reduce emissions, as well as congestion.
Anyone currently doing the school run knows just how bad the traffic can be, especially during the winter months so having fewer cars on the road is a welcome change in our eyes.
The Government will announce Budget 2025 on Tuesday, October 1st.
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