AQW 14107/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/07/2024
Answered On Date: 22/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to address the disparities in pricing between Irish Rail and Translink Enterprise for train services between Belfast and Dublin.

Answer:

The pricing of tickets is an operational matter for Translink. The Enterprise service is operated as a joint venture by Irish Rail and Translink. Each company has its own ticketing, systems, fare structures and special offers. In April 2022, the Irish government discounted public transport fares by 20% across the board, which includes Enterprise tickets for journeys originating south of the border. Translink have confirmed that they are carrying out a review of prices with Irish Rail.

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. Consequently, a similar discount is not available for Enterprise tickets for journeys originating in the North. The value of our public transport services cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.