Shock in Kildare over NTA's latest comments on fare hikes

The increases are planned to come into effect from January 2027

By Ciarán Mather Published 18th Sep 2026, 15:30 BST 'Unbelievable': Shock in Kildare as NTA admits fare hikes will lead to less people using public transport | FILE PHOTOGRAPH The increases are planned to come into effect from January 2027 A TD based in County Kildare has expressed their shock after the National Transport Authority ( NTA ) recently admitted that its proposed fare hikes will lead to less people using public transport.

The comments, which come from Labour Party TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall , follows reports that the NTA has acknowledged that for every 10 per cent fare increase, passenger numbers fall by 3pc.

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It also comes after Deputy Wall earlier this month criticised the proposed hikes (which are due to take effect from January 2027) when he said: “I utterly condemn the plan by the NTA to increase bus and train fares by a dramatic 15pc and in some cases, by 30pc.”

And now, Deputy Wall has doubled down on his stance - taking to social media, Deputy Wall shared a screenshot of a news story covering the development with the following caption: “Totally unbelievable that in a cost of living crisis , the NTA admits that their proposed fare hikes will lead to LESS people using public transport.”

He added: “This is only force [sic] more people into their cars, [and leaving them] stuck in traffic.”

TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall (Labour Party) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH ‘ANOTHER BLOW’

When asked by the Leinster Leader to elaborate on his views, Deputy Wall had this to say: “The proposed fare hikes by the NTA are another blow to workers, students and commuters who are already struggling in a cost of living crisis.

“Towns like Athy and Monasterevin are facing hikes of up to 21pc, while Newbridge and Kildare [Town] are hit with hikes of up to 15pc; people cannot take this on and it is simply dumbfounding for the NTA to increase fares which they admit will decrease public transport use.”

He further said: “I have continued to call on government to make public transport more affordable and to invest in rural public transport; for instance, an hourly train on the Waterford to Heuston line.

“This is a major issue in Kildare South, as there is massive demand for enhanced train capacity and train frequency.

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“Public transport has to be paid for, everyone understands that; however, rural Ireland has not seen fare prices reflect service provision.

He concluded by asserting: “We need more trains, more buses, and more affordable public transport.”

Deputy Mark Wall is not the only political representative to hit out at the NTA’s proposed changes —earlier this month, Newbridge-based Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender also criticised the decision at the beginning of the month.

He notably called the proposals ‘an incredibly frustrating decision’ for Newbridge commuters.