Wicklow Reps Hail Introduction Of Free Travel Card For Five To Eight Year Olds

The new TFI Leap Card marks a significant expansion of Ireland’s free travel policy for children.

The National Transport Authority has today launched the new Child 5–8 Leap Card, giving children aged 5 to 8 free access to public transport across the TFI network.

Around 263,000 children across Ireland are now eligible for this expanded travel scheme, which they can use right up to their 9th birthdays.

Families may apply for Child 5-8 Card from today. Families will be able to apply for the card from today, via the online portal at leapcard.ie

The card covers all TFI public transport services – bus, train and tram. While those under 5 already travel free without a card, children aged 5 to 8 using the new TFI Leap Card will now avail of the same benefit.

The card covers all TFI public transport services, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, TFI Local Link, Iarnród Éireann, and LUAS.

The new 5-8 Child Leap Card will make it easier for families to plan affordable journeys, and encourages a shift to more sustainable, connected travel across the TFI network.

This initiative, first announced in Budget 2025, is a key step in supporting families by reducing transport costs and promoting early adoption of sustainable travel habits. It also reflects the NTA’s commitment to making public transport more accessible, inclusive, and affordable.

The Tanaiste Simon Harris says its great news for Wicklow families:

“I know how important public transport is for families in Wicklow and extending free travel to under 9s is the right thing to do.

“This builds the existing free travel for children under 5 and is part of Fine Gael’s commitment in Government to make public transport more affordable and accessible for families.

“Whether it’s getting the bus to school, hopping on a train into Dublin, or using Local Link services in our rural communities, parents will now have the reassurance that their children under 9 can travel for free.

The Tánaiste added:

“This decision will support parents managing school runs, after-school activities, or weekend trips, and most importantly also encouraging children to grow up seeing buses and trains as part of everyday life.

“Crucially, this scheme applies across all TFI services, including Local Link, which is vital for our rural towns and villages.”

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has also welcomed confirmation from the NTA and Transport for Ireland that the fare structure introduced in April have been reviewed and revised

He had lobbyed of the Minister for Transport, the NTA and TFI for some months on the matter. 

Deputy Brady said:

“The changes that came in last April saw huge increases for many Wicklow commuters, particularly families and young people travelling from towns like Greystones and Kilcoole. I made it clear from the start that this was unacceptable, and I am glad to see that pressure has paid off and that the NTA have listened.”

From Monday, 1st September, new discounted Child Leap Card products will be in place. For commuters from Zone 2 towns such as Greystones and Kilcoole, the weekly fare will drop from €16.00 to €10.60, a saving of 33 percent. These new products will give children a 67 percent discount compared to adult fares and can be bought through the Leap top-up app or on the Leap Card website.

Brady added:

“This is a welcome step, and it will make a real difference for families in Wicklow. It means children travelling from Greystones and Kilcoole into the city will not only benefit from cheaper fares but will also be able to continue their journey across Dublin on bus, rail or Luas at no extra cost.”

Deputy Brady says more though, needs to be done and will continue to push for more additions:

“However, this is just the start. I will continue to push for further reductions in fares for everyone, including adults. Zone 3 in particular saw a very steep increase in April and this must be addressed.

Wicklow commuters deserve fair fares across the board, and I will keep the pressure on until that happens.”