Sinn Féin Dublin South-West TD, Seán Crowe, says the lack of an integrated transport ticket is holding back the South Dublin area and impacting negatively on jobs and tourism there.

The Tallaght-based deputy was responding to remarks made by Junior Minister for Transport, Alan Kelly, who said that he hoped the ticket would become available next summer.

Deputy Crowe said that it was unbelievable that the production of a simple ticket, that would allow a transport commuter use the LUAS, suburban train, Bus Éireann or Bus Áth Cliath, should take years to produce.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Minister Alan Kelly is claiming, like his predecessors, that an integrated ticket for commuters is on the horizon and if all goes well be introduced next summer.

“Surely, a simple ticket that would allow a transport commuter to use the LUAS, a suburban train, Bus Éireann or Bus Áth Cliath shouldn’t take years of planning and endless discussions to produce.

“Templates exist in other cities and countries for an intelligent integrated transport ticket. The technology has been available for decades, and yet, Irish commuters are being asked to wait for a ticket that would allow them easier access to available transport options without an exorbitant cost.

“I know from my involvement in South Dublin Tourism over the years that the lack of an integrated transport ticket is holding the area back in terms of organisation of events, potential for business, specifically hotels and b&bs.

“The lack of a comprehensive ticket also makes it extremely difficult for job seekers and narrows the job options for those without access to private transport.

“The Minister should be embarrassed. He has ignored this important issue and it is clearly not on his or his department’s priority list. It is hard-pressed commuters who are suffering the fall-out from his laid back approach.”

ENDS