Free public transport scheme extended to mark International Epilepsy Day 

A Bus Eireann bus goes through Cork. The Government is extending the free travel scheme. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Government is extending the free travel scheme to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability and those who are medically certified as not fit to drive for 12 months or longer.

More than 32,000 people are expected to benefit from the extension, which was announced by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys alongside Epilepsy Ireland to mark International Epilepsy Day.

The measure is expected to cost €8.5m and will allow eligible people to access free travel on all public transport provided by the State. 

This includes bus, rail, Local Link, and the Luas, along with some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

Commenting today, Ms Humphreys said: "I’m very pleased to announce this significant expansion of the Free Travel Scheme.

“From July, the Free Travel scheme will be available to people who have never been able to drive due to a medical condition. I am also making the scheme available to people who have a license but are medically certified as not fit to drive for 12 months or longer.

“This measure is expected to benefit some 32,000 people this year and will give them access to free travel on all public transport provided by the State. It will benefit people with a range of disabilities including, for example, those with epilepsy, and, as such, face additional transport costs, especially when commuting to work.

“I was delighted to work closely with Epilepsy Ireland and I want to commend them for their efforts in highlighting the importance of this new policy for their members.” 

Chief executive of Epilepsy Ireland Peter Murphy added: "The measure secured by Minister Humphreys as part of Budget 24 is something that Epilepsy Ireland have sought for many years, and we are delighted that improved access to the Free Travel scheme is set to be introduced in July.

 It is fitting that the official announcement of the changes comes on International Epilepsy Day, as the measures being introduced will be of huge benefit to people with epilepsy living across Ireland. 

"We would like to thank Minister Humphreys for her commitment to addressing this issue, and for helping to ease some of the impact that being unable to drive due to a long-term medical condition can have on a person’s life.