Commuters hit by price hikes

Dublin commuters are to be hit with an increase in some Luas fares from today.

Adult single peak and adult return fares are to go up by 10 cent.

Adult seven-day fares will increase by between 40 cent and 60 cent while Adult 30 Day fares will rise by between €1.70 and €2.00.

However, in a bid to persuade more people to use prepaid Smartcards the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said those fares will not go up for the third year. Child fares will also not increase.

RPA Chief Executive Frank Allen said the hike was needed to cover costs.

"The manner in which fare increases are being applied will help to improve convenience and comfort by further encouraging the switch to Smartcards," he said.

The Labour Party said the price hikes must be accompanied by long-promised improvements to the Luas system.

Meanwhile Dart, Intercity and Commuter services will also go up by 5% on average from Wednesday.

An adult single rail fare from Dublin to Cork will now cost €59.50 and €45.50 to Limerick.