Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish TimesThe Government’s transport budget for 2026 will not be enough for any new services, senior Department of Transport officials privately warned. Records released under the Freedom of Information Act show that on the day of Budget 2026 in October, the department’s management board met and noted its €4.74 billion allocation. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman said the document was “confirmation” that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have not provided the funding for new public transport services. The department continues to engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) as it finalises its 2026 service plan, the spokesman said. The previous government, of which the Green Party was a part, had a 2:1 ratio of public transport funding over roads investment.

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 12:50 UTC