Extension of Free Travel Pass Scheme in IrelandExtension of Free Travel Pass Scheme in Ireland The Irish government has extended the free travel pass scheme to include individuals who have never been able to drive due to a disability or who have had their driving license revoked for over 12 months. Previously, only people aged 66 and over or those receiving certain benefits were eligible. This change is expected to benefit over 30,000 people with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. It will enable them to travel freely on all state-owned public transport, providing greater independence and accessibility. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys praised the advocacy efforts of Epilepsy Ireland, which campaigned for the extension. Paddy McGeoghegan, the charity’s advocacy and communications manager, described the change as “the end of a long-standing campaign.” The extended scheme is a significant step towards improving accessibility for people with disabilities, allowing them to participate more fully in society and access essential services and opportunities.
People who have never been able to drive due to a disability, or people who have a driving licence but have been deemed unfit to drive for 12 months or more, can now take advantage of the free travel pass scheme.
The scheme was already available to people aged 66 and over living in Ireland and allows passengers to travel for free on all state-owned public transport.
The measure was introduced as part of Budget 2024 and marks the first time that someone who does not receive a pension or qualifying social benefit will be able to use the scheme.
The measure was introduced as part of Budget 2024 and will be the first time anyone who is not in receipt of a pension or qualifying Social Welfare Payment will be able to access the scheme. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
It is reported that more than 30,000 people will benefit from the change.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys spoke of her enthusiasm for the changes after the launch at Connolly Station.
“This will benefit people with different disabilities and conditions that prevent them from driving,” she said. “It will give people more independence so they can travel to work and go about their daily lives without having to worry about extra transport costs or having to rely on someone else to pick them up.”
The scheme was already available to people aged 66 and over living in Ireland and allows passengers to travel for free on all state-owned public transport. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Minister Humphreys praised Epilepsy Ireland, which campaigned for the change.
Paddy McGeoghegan, advocacy and communications manager at Epilepsy Ireland, said the change in plan “marks the end of a long-standing campaign” by the charity.
He said: ‘It has been heartening to receive messages over the last few weeks from people with epilepsy who have been approved for the extended scheme, telling us how much this new measure means to them.
“It is a measure that will reach far beyond the epilepsy community and will help thousands of others who face driving restrictions due to a medical condition or disability.”
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