Ireland’s free travel scheme is to be extended this July to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability.
It will also be available for drivers who have a licence and are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer.
The new measures are expected to benefit 32,000 people this year at a cost of €8.5 million.
The scheme 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.
The announcement was made by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD today to mark International Epilepsy Day.
Minister Humphreys said: “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.
“My Department is working on the required system changes to deliver this extension of Free Travel from July, while application forms will be available from May for those who wish to apply.
“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.”
