disability travel pass ireland

Accessible travel information

Accessible travel information.

The Transport for Ireland website provides general information on how people with disabilities can travel safely to, from and within Ireland. Links to other websites, which provide more detailed information, are also provided.

Accessible travel is an on-going endeavour to ensure all operators provide safe, accessible and friendly access to all its passengers, regardless of their age or various disabilities. It is now possible to map out your journey before you depart. The TFI Journey Planner is Ireland’s only door-to-door route planner and the service also highlights if the mode of transport is wheelchair accessible.

Department of Transport

The Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The Minister’s policy in relation to public transport, including accessible public transport, can be viewed on the Department of Transport

Links to Accessibility information on Transport Operators websites:

• Go-Ahead Ireland

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail

• Bus Éireann

Travelling to and from Ireland – by Ferry

European Regulation 1177/2010  on the Rights of Passengers Travelling by Sea and Inland Waterways, came into effect on 18 December 2012.

The Regulation applies to vessels certified to carry more than 12 passengers and operated by a European Union Carrier. It includes points on non-discrimination and assistance for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. This includes an obligation to:

• Provide assistance at ports or harbours and on board ships;
• Carry recognised assistance dogs (subject to national regulations);
• Carry mobility equipment (such as wheelchairs) free of charge; and
• Provide information in accessible formats.

Statutory Instrument No. 394 of 2012 designates the National Transport Authority as the national enforcement body for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No. 1177/2010 in Ireland.

Ferries and Ferry Ports

Ferry companies operating to and from Ireland use ships that are accessible to people with mobility difficulties. If you need help with getting on or off you should give the ferry company as much notice as possible so that they can make arrangements.

Ferry Companies

• Stenaline (Rosslare – Cherbourg; Dublin – Holyhead; Rosslare – Fishguard)
• Irishferries (Dublin – Holyhead; Rosslare – Pembroke; Rosslare – Roscoff; Dublin – Cherbourg)
• Brittany Ferries (Cork – Roscoff; Cork – Santander)
• Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (Dublin – Isle of Man)
• P&O Ferries (Dublin – Liverpool)

Ferry Port and Harbour Companies

• Dublin Port Company
• Rosslare Harbour
• Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company
• Port of Cork

A number of private vessel operators provide public transport and tourist services in Ireland but not all of these services are accessible to people with mobility difficulties. You can get more information by clicking on the following links:

• Aran Island Ferries
• Arranmore Island Ferry Service
• Athlone Cruisers Ltd.
• Blue Pool Ferries Ltd.
• Cape Clear Ferry
• Clare Island Ferry Company
• Cork Harbour Boats Ltd
• Corrib Cruises Ltd.
• Cross River Ferries Ltd.
• Discover the Shannon, River Shannon Cruisers
• Donegal Bay Waterbus
• Doolin Ferries Ltd.
• Dolphinwatch, Carrigaholt
• Harbour Queen Ferry Services
• Island Ferries
• Killarney Lake Tours
• Lough Foyle ferry Company Ltd
• Marine Transport Services Ltd
• Murphy’s Ferry Service
• Scattery Island Ferries
• Viking Splash Tours
• West Cork Coastal Cruises Ltd.

Passenger boats (12 passengers or less) or ships (more than 12 passengers) in Ireland are required to hold a current valid licence or certificate issued by the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

For more information please see the NTA website .

Travelling to and from Ireland – by Airplane

Airlines & airports.

Under European legislation ( Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 ), disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility should not be refused carriage by air on the grounds of their disability or lack of mobility, except for reasons that are justified on the grounds of safety and are prescribed by law.

Disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility are entitled to receive the assistance specified in the Regulation free of charge at the airport as well as on board aircraft.

In Ireland the Commission for Aviation Regulation is the National Enforcement Body for the Regulation. The Commission has launched a website called Flightrights that includes details for disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air.

When booking flights, disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility should give airlines at least 48 hours notice of their particular needs to enable the airlines and airports to make the necessary arrangements.

• BMI, British Midlands
• British Airways
• Dublin Airport
• Cork Airport
• Shannon Airport
• Ireland West Airport Knock
• Donegal Airport
• Kerry Airport
• Waterford Airport

Travelling in Ireland – by Rail

Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007  of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations gives disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility the following rights:

• Disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility have the right to non-discriminatory access to transport, at no additional charge, when buying a ticket or making a booking;
• Upon request, disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility shall be provided with information concerning the accessibility of rail services and trains;
• Rail undertakings and station managers shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that trains and other rail services are accessible;
• Rail undertakings and station managers shall make all reasonable efforts to provide assistance free of charge on board trains and at staffed stations; to guarantee assistance under good conditions, passengers are requested to comply with certain provisions (e.g. 48 hours’ notice before departure);
• Disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility have the right to compensation if the rail undertaking is responsible for the loss or damage of mobility equipment.

In Ireland the  National Transport Authority  is the National Enforcement Body for the Regulation.

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail operates city and commuter services in Dublin and Cork, as well as intercity services throughout Ireland.

You can call Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail on (01) 8366 222 (Monday – Friday 08:30hrs – 18:00hrs excluding public holidays) or contact your local station if you require assistance on Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail services. More information is available on the  Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail website .

Luas – Dublin’s Light Rail Tram System

Each tram makes audio announcements and has electronic displays so you can tell where you are on your journey.

All Luas trams and stops are wheelchair-accessible and there are designated parking spaces for people with disabilities. There are lifts at any stops that have been built in a cutting or on an elevated track.

To facilitate access, each tram has a low floor and level threshold with a minimal gap between the floor of the tram and the edge of the platform.

There are two designated spaces per tram, which can cater for up to 4 wheelchair users. There are signs indicating that these spaces are for wheelchair users. There is also enough space in the entry and exit areas on the trams for additional wheelchair users.

Travelling in Ireland – by Bus

European Regulation 181/2011 concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport came into effect on 1st March 2013. It includes points on non-discrimination and assistance for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

Public transport bus services in Ireland are provided by both State-owned and private transport operators.

Bus Companies

Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland provides bus services within Dublin city as well as to and from the surrounding areas. Bus Éireann operates intercity coach services together with commuter services in the cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. It also provides services on a network of routes throughout Ireland as well as commuter services in some large towns. TFI Local Link provides local public transport in rural areas throughout Ireland were other services are limited. These bus services are low cost and available for anyone wishing to travel  to or from their local town, village or parish.

All four are obliged to provide services to people with disabilities.

Other Bus Companies

A number of private operators also provide public transport bus services in Ireland  but not all of these services are accessible to people with mobility difficulties . You can get more information by clicking on the following links:

• Ardcavan Coach Tours Ltd.
• Bernard Kavanagh & Sons Ltd.
• Collins Coaches
• Donegal Coaches
• Dualway Coaches
• Dublin Coach
• Finnegan Bray
• JJ Kavanagh
• John Mc Ginley Coach Travel
• Matthews Coach Hire
• SkyLink Cork
• St Kevin’s Bus Service
• Wexford Bus
• Val Russell Coaches

Rural Transport Programme (RTP)

TFI Local Link provides a nationwide bus service in rural areas around Ireland.

The aim of TFI Local Link is to address rural social exclusion and integrate bus services where possible with Bus Éireann and Iarnrod Éireann networks.

TFI Local Link’s key objective, as outlined in their Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022, is to ensure the provision of fully accessible transport services on all services with a target to achieve at least 95%fully accessible trips by 2020 within the Rural Transport Programme.

As of 2019, 80% of all TFI Local Link buses are fully accessible.

Specialised Accessible Transport Services

The following companies provide accessible transport Dial-a-Ride services for people with disabilities together with ageing and older people with mobility impairments, who are unable to access public transport because of the severity or nature of their impairments:

• Vantastic  (Dublin)
• ACTS  (South and West Dublin)
• Easi-Cabtravel Club  (South County Dublin and Wicklow)
• Lucan Disability Action Group  (South County Dublin and Wicklow)
• Cork Accessible Transport  (Cork City)

Travelling in Ireland – by Taxi

Types of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

There are two types – Taxis and Hackneys.

Taxis and Wheelchair Accessible Taxis

Taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis are public hire vehicles. Their licence and licensing requirements allow them to stand for hire at a rank (taxi ranks at airports, train and bus stations) and they can also be hailed on the street. The vehicle is equipped with a taximeter to ensure the maximum fare charged is within regulations. Fares less than the metered value are of course possible.

VISIT HERE for the List per county of the Wheelchair accessible vehicles

Hackneys and Wheelchair Accessible Hackneys

Hackneys and wheelchair accessible hackneys are different in that they are private hire vehicles. They do not have taximeters and the key difference is that the journey must be pre-booked, i.e. fare and trip agreed in advance, hence no need for the taximeter. They cannot stand for hire at a rank anywhere nor ply for hire, i.e. they cannot take fares from the public on the street.

The National Transport Authority  has created a register of all Wheelchair Accessible Taxis throughout the country. This is to enable improved access to this specialised service for people with disabilities.

You can call the Information Line on 0818 064 000 and request contact information for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle service that operates within your area. If you are calling from outside Ireland please phone + 353 761 064000.

You can also e-mail the Authority at  [email protected]

Wheelchair Priority Space

Please keep the wheelchair space free for those who need it. If blocked, please allow those who require access to the wheelchair space to obtain it. Remember, public transport is a place for everyone.

Transport for Ireland (TFI) has partnered with  The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA)  and  Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB)  to raise awareness for our Wheelchair Priority Space Campaign.

Find out more about the “Wheelchair Priority Space” campaign

Please Offer Me a Seat

TFI has partnered with  Invisible Disability Ireland to launch the “Please Offer Me a Seat” Badge and Card for people with invisible disabilities to use when accessing public transport. It ensures that people with hidden disabilities have a seat in priority areas on public transport.

Find out more about the “PLEASE OFFER ME A SEAT” Badge and Card

Prepare me…As I am

Transport for Ireland (TFI) are happy to support the AsIAm charity organisation with their a new campaign “ Prepare me….as I am “  for public transport” which aims to provide those with Autism with the correct tools for navigating public transport.

1 in 65 people in Ireland are autistic and AsIAm often uses the analogy of a crowded train station in a foreign country to portray how life can feel for many autistic people.

AsIAm wish to provide those with Autism with the below resources for using public transport.

Find out more about the “PREPARE ME….AS I AM…” for public transport

The Jam Card assists customers using the public transport system and makes their experience as stress-free as possible. It allows people with a communication barrier tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.

Find out more about the Jam Card

Dementia: Understand Together

Transport for Ireland (TFI) are proud to be part of the Dementia: Understand Together campaign by supporting the launch of the new dementia inclusive community symbol.

The new symbol has been developed with people with dementia at its heart. TFI has joined 40 other partners, ranging from voluntary and community groups, health services and academia to retail and financial services to take action to help support people with dementia, their families and friends.

Find out more about the “DEMENTIA: UNDERSTAND TOGETHER” campaign

Baby on Board

Aimed at expectant mothers, this ‘Baby on Board’ badge offers women a discreet, convenient and universal means of communicating the message that they may be in greater need of a seat during their commute.

Find out more about the BABY ON BOARD Badge

Travel Assistance Scheme

The Travel Assistance Scheme aim’s to help passengers use public transport on their own, especially those with disabilities and reduced mobility. A travel assistant can accompany you the first few times you travel and offer helpful advice on how to plan your journey is open to all over the age of eighteen.

The Travel Assistance Scheme within the Greater Dublin Area is run by Dublin Bus and provides assistance on Dublin Bus, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and DART services. Email [email protected] or [email protected] for further information on how to use the scheme.

The Travel Assistance Scheme opens in Cork on September 1 and is run by Bus Éireann. It provides assistance on Bus Éireann, Irish Rail Cork Commuter and Local Link services within Cork.

Email   [email protected] ; or phone customer services at 0818 836 611.

Free Travel Scheme - Concessionary Travel

The Free Travel Pass allows holders to travel free of charge on all public transport services and many private commercial services. Please note that this cannot be used for free travel in Northern Ireland without first obtaining a Senior SmartPass card.

People are entitled to avail of this scheme if they are over 66 years old and living permanently in Ireland, or they receive Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carers Allowance or Invalidity Pension.

The Free Travel Scheme is administered by the Department of the Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) and all queries about the scheme should be directed to the Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 071 915 7100.

More details on the Free Travel Scheme and a full list of all operators and routes where the Free Travel Pass is accepted can be found on their website.

Travelling with a Guide/Assistance Dog

Guide dogs and assistance dogs accompanying passengers are permitted to travel on all public transport services across the TFI network free of charge and without restriction.

A Guide or Assistance dog must be clearly identifiable either by coat or harness to distinguish it as a working dog and not a pet. The dog must be trained by a recognised organisation as a Guide dog or Assistance dog.

The links to the Transport Operators websites provide more detailed information.

• Dublin Bus Passengers with Guide Dogs
• Irish Rail Passengers with Guide Dogs
• Bus Eireann Passengers with Guide Dogs
• Go-Ahead Ireland Passengers with Guide Dogs
• Luas Passengers with Guide Dogs

Etiquette on the Bus, Luas and Train & Staff Respect

Here are a few pieces of bus, tram and train etiquette that can make everyone’s journey, that little bit smoother. A bus (or Luas / Train) is a shared space and therefore a shared experience. That daily commute can be improved with small acts of self-awareness from you and others.

• Please keep your feet off the seat and also your bags!
• Keep those earphones plugged in!
• Be very careful when getting off the bus or leaving a tram stop / train station!
• Do not distract the bus/tram/train driver!

Find out more about ETIQUETTE ON TRANSPORT  

Respect Public Transport Staff

We want to highlight the important role public transport workers play in keeping Ireland moving. We encourage even greater levels of respect by customers for drivers and staff working across the TFI network.

Find out more about PUBLIC TRANSPORT STAFF RESPECT  

Further Advice

Hopefully you will have a trouble free time travelling to, from or within Ireland.

If you do have any problems you should contact the transport operator directly. If you are not happy with the result of your complaint, you can contact the Office of the Ombudsman .

• - TFI Bus Services
• - TFI Local Link
• - Dublin Network Redesign
• - About Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail
• - Dublin area train map
• - About Luas
• - Luas Maps
• - About taxi
• - Check a licence
• - TFI Driver Check App
• - Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Register
• - Customer information
• - Hiring a bicycle
• - Cycling safety
• - National Bike Week 11th – 19th May 2024
• Visitor travel information
• Accessibility & Etiquette

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Travelling on public transport with a disability or reduced mobility

Introduction, travel assistance scheme, jam card and app, please offer me a seat badge and card, luas tram services, more information.

Public transport companies offer accessibility services for people with a disability or reduced mobility. The largest public transport operators are listed below and this page provides accessibility information for them.

Bus Éireann

• Go-Ahead Ireland (Private bus company)

This page also gives an overview of the Travel Assistance Scheme (greater Dublin area and Cork), the Jam Card and App and the Please Offer Me a Seat Badge and Card.

Planning a journey

Before you start your journey, you can use Transport for Ireland’s (TFI) online journey planner to plan your journey.

The journey planner will give you information about bus and rail routes all over Ireland. It will also tell you if a service is wheelchair accessible.

If you can’t travel alone, you may be able to get a free travel pass for your travel companion. You can get more information in our page on free travel in Ireland .

The Travel Assistance Scheme helps people with disabilities to use public transport in the greater Dublin area and in Cork city. The scheme is free and is available for people over 18 years.

Under the scheme, a travel assistant can travel with you the first few times you are travelling and offer advice on how to plan your journey. The assistant will help you get used to travelling along that route on your own. You can contact them when you are starting a new route.

The Travel Assistance Scheme in Dublin is available for Dublin Bus , Go-Ahead Ireland , DART and Luas services. It is run by Dublin Bus, but they provide the service across different transport providers.

To find out more, contact Dublin Bus by:

• Phone: 01 703 3204
• Email: [email protected]

The Travel Assistance Scheme in Cork is available for Cork city buses and Iarnród Éireann commuter trains.

To find out more, contact Bus Éireann by:

• Phone: 0818 836611
• Email: [email protected]

What is the JAM Card and JAM App?

The JAM Card is a card or app that tells other passengers that you need a little more time because you have a condition or a disability. It can be a physical card or an app on your phone or both.

This card helps passengers with a communication barrier to say that they need “just a minute” and to ask for patience. The JAM Card and App are free.

How can I get a JAM Card?

You can get it in any of the following three ways:

• Order a physical card online .
• Phone the NOW Group (based in UK) on 0044 28 9043 6400.
• Download the app from the Play Store or Apple .

How do I use it?

You show your JAM Card to the person that you are interacting with (for example, the bus driver). The card says ‘Just A Minute’ on one side, and you can choose which message you would like on the other side of your card.

The message could say any of the following:

• I have autism
• I am autistic
• I have a condition
• I have a learning difficulty or a disability
• I have an intellectual disability

With the app, you can choose your own message.

Where can I use it?

You can use it on public transport and in shops, banks, cafés, restaurants, hotels and museums.

Find out more at jamcard.org or the Transport for Ireland website.

What is the Please Offer Me a Seat Badge and Card?

The badge and card are for people with invisible disabilities to use when using public transport. If you have an invisible disability and have difficulty standing while using public transport, the badge or card will help you to subtly alert fellow passengers that you would welcome being offered a seat.

Some examples of invisible disabilities are fibromyalgia, autism, head injuries, chronic pain, poor balance, and multiple sclerosis, along with other conditions.

How can I get it?

You can contact your local TFI public transport operator to get one.

You can use the badge on Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann—Irish Rail, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland, and TFI Local Link services.

Find out more at the Transport for Ireland website.

Wheelchair access on buses

On all Dublin bus buses, there is one space for a person using a wheelchair. A wheelchair can be up to 70cm wide and 120cm long.

You should get on and get off the bus by the front doors, as the ramp is only at the door near the driver. When you get on the bus, you can ask the driver to give you extra time to get to your seat before the bus pulls away from the stop.

To leave the bus, press the button with the wheelchair symbol on it, next to the wheelchair space, shortly before your stop. This bell has its own sound which lets the driver know that you wish to leave the bus.

You can find more information on wheelchair accessibility from Dublin Bus .

Many of Bus Eireann services are wheelchair accessible, but some are not. You can find a list of accessible routes on the Bus Éireann website.

Mobility scooters on buses

To travel on Dublin Bus with your mobility scooter you must have a permit. This is because some mobility scooters are too big to fit on Dublin Bus buses. To find out if your scooter is the correct size and to arrange a permit, contact Dublin Bus’s Travel Assistance.

You can contact Dublin Bus’s Travel Assistance by:

• Ringing Travel Assistance at 01 703 3204
• Emailing [email protected] .

For Bus Éireann, you should call 0818 836 611 to see if they can accommodate your mobility scooter.

If you have a vision impairment

All buses must stop if there is a person with a long cane or a guide dog at the bus stop. All new buses have audio announcements which will tell you the next stop.

If you have a hearing impairment

Dublin bus provide Real Time Passenger Information with on street signs at approximately 500 bus stops. Bus Éireann have real time information on their website. There is a TFI real time app which combines all real time information Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, GO-Ahead Ireland and Iarnród Éireann and Luas.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs on buses

Guide dogs or assistance dogs are allowed on all buses.

If you want to make a complaint

You can make a complaint to Dublin Bus’s Inquiry Officer by:

• Post: Dublin Bus Inquiry Officer, Operations Department, Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O Connell St. Dublin 1.

You must state which Section of the Disability Act 2005 the complaint refers to. Your complaint must clearly outline the reason and include any relevant information. See the complaints section on Dublin bus .

You can make a complaint to Bus Éireann by:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01 8366111

See the customer information section on Bus Éireann .

If you need assistance to travel by rail , you should contact the relevant stations first . Contact Irish Rail at least 24 hours before your journey and give them details of your travel plans.

For support, you can:

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 01 836 6222 (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm excluding public holidays).

Give details of your travel plans

When contacting the station include the following information:

• Date and time of travel
• Departure station
• Arrival station and if you need to change trains on your journey
• The nature of your disability
• Assistance required
• How you will travel to and from departure and arrival stations such as taxi, private car and whether someone is meeting you at your destination
• If you will travel alone or with someone
• If you need help arriving or departing from the station
• Any other details to assist railway staff or details you would like to clarify

If it is not possible to give notice to Irish Rail, they will do their best to provide assistance. If there is a change or you need to cancel your plans, let Irish Rail know. Staff can then assist others.

Wheelchair access and mobility scooters on trains

Wheelchair accessible spaces are limited on each train. It is important that you book your space before you travel. If you use a mobility scooter, contact the station to ensure your scooter can be accommodated.

Accessibility ramps for train access

At some stations there is a gap between the platform and the carriages. Ramps can be used to help you on or off trains if needed. You should contact Irish Rail 24 hours before you travel to ensure staff are available to help you.

Disabled car parking at train stations

All station car parks have designated car parking spaces for people with a Disabled Person’s Parking Card . You can get information on station accessibility on each station’s webpage .

Most mainline and suburban and all DART stations have public address systems giving details of trains and services for people with visual impairments. Tactile tiles are in place in some stations to help people with visual impairments. Braille-coded buttons and a talking lift are available in newer station lifts.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs on trains

Guide or Assistance dogs are allowed on all Irish rail services and in train stations.

If you want to make a complaint under the 2005 Disability Act , contact [email protected] .

You should contact Luas before you travel if you will need assistance. The Travel Assistance Scheme is available on the Luas, (see ‘Travel Assistance Scheme’ above). Travel assistance is free and you can request it during all Luas operating hours.

To arrange assistance, contact the Luas Customer Service office by phone on 0818 300 604 or by email [email protected] . You should give details of your travel plans. See ‘Rail’ above for guidance on the details that you should give. If there is a change or you need to cancel your plans, let the Luas know. Staff are then available to help others.

Wheelchair accessibility on the Luas

All Luas trams and stops are wheelchair-accessible. Each tram has a low floor and level threshold with a minimal gap between the floor of the tram and the edge of the platform.

If you are using a wheelchair, get on the Luas through the double doors in the middle of each carriage as they are closest to the priority seating and wheelchair area. Make sure that you are facing the rear of the tram while travelling.

There are 2 designated spaces per tram, which can cater for up to 4 wheelchair users. There are signs which say that these spaces are for wheelchair users. There is also enough space in the entry and exit areas on the trams for additional wheelchair users.

Mobility scooters on the Luas

You can bring a mobility scooter on board the Luas.

Each tram has electronic displays, so you can tell where you are on your journey.

All trams are fitted with an induction loop for passengers using hearing aids equipped with the T-switch. If you use a hearing aid, you can hear announcements in the middle of the tram.

All trams are fitted with a bell which rings when the tram is approaching and leaving a Luas platform.

There are automatic audio announcements on board with the names of each stop together with other pre-recorded messages.

If in doubt while on board, speak with the driver to confirm your location. You can use the emergency passenger communications device on the doorpost to the right of the double doors to speak with the driver.

Disabled car parking at Luas

There are seven Luas Park and Ride car parking facilities. Each has designated spaces located as close to the Luas platforms as possible. You must display your Disabled Person's Parking Card .

Guide dogs and assistance dog on-board a Luas

You can bring your guide dog or your assistance dog on the Luas.

If you want to make a complaint under the 2005 Disability Act .

• Email: [email protected]
• Call the Luas Customer Service Centre on 0818 300 604
• Write to: Luas Customer Service, Luas Depot, Red Cow, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 C5P3

You can get more information about accessible travel in Ireland on Transport for Ireland’s website . TFI are supporting the AsIAm charity with a campaign, Prepare Me As I Am , for public transport. This gives people who have autism useful tools to help them use public transport.

You can check the facilities for passengers with a disability at any Irish rail station .

You can also get general information about getting to and from Dublin airport .

Related documents

• Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability Grants for alterations that need to be made to a home to make it suitable for a person with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or a mental health difficulty. 1607.577
• Caring for a child with a disability Find out what supports and services are available to parents, guardians and carers of children with disabilities 1500.5824
• Mobility training for people with visual impairments If you have a visual impairment, orientation and mobility training can help you develop a range of skills that will make it easier to move around safely. Types of mobility aid and sources of training are described here. 1398.5071

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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How can we help?

• Travelling by Train
• Booking Online
• At the Station

Where do I find Information on the Free Travel Pass?

• If you wish to book onto a train see our handy guide  Booking a 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket' option  
• For information on how to travel with a Free Travel Pass on rail services see our FAQ  Do I need to get a ticket to accompany my Free Travel/Public Services Card?
• For more information on how to use your Public Service Card for free travel check out this TFI How to use your PSC for free travel leaflet  or visit freetravel.ie
• For information on what a Free Travel Pass is go to the Department of Social Protection website , contact your local Social Welfare Office or Call their Information Line at 1890 500 000 (from the Republic of Ireland only) or 00353 71 915 7100 (from Northern Ireland or overseas).

All free travel passes are issued by the Department of Social Protection not by the transport provider. Free travel passes are non-transferrable and can only be used by the named person. 

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Accessibility

Find out about Ireland's services and amenities for visitors with special needs.

Ireland is delighted to welcome visitors with special needs and reduced mobility, and services and amenities are always improving

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What's on this page?

Getting around.

• Car Parking

Accommodation

Attractions.

The National Journey Planner system provides door-to-door information on all available travel options for journeys to, from, and within the Republic of Ireland. In addition to this, you'll find general travel information for people with mobility difficulties.

Accessible taxis

Wheelchair-accessible taxis in the Republic of Ireland have a wheelchair icon on the roof of the vehicle, so they have been specifically modified to have specialist equipment including ramps, wheelchair anchorages and suitable seatbelts.

The National Transport Authority maintains a register of all wheelchair-accessible taxis and hackneys. If you have difficulty obtaining an accessible service, the Authority may be able to provide you with contact details for an operator in your locality. Call its Information Line on +353 761 064000.

There are currently four types of taxi identified by the color of taxi plate; green, yellow, white and blue.

White and blue licence plates are issued to some taxis that operate like buses – they charge passengers an individual fare on some routes. These taxis are not required to have a meter but are wheelchair accessible.

A yellow licence plate means that the taxi can be hailed in the street or picked up from designated taxi ranks when the roof light is on. These taxis are wheelchair accessible and will have a taxi meter.

A white licence plate means the taxi can be pre-booked or hailed in areas outside a five-mile radius of Belfast city center. These taxis are not required to be wheelchair accessible or have a meter.

A green licence plate means that the taxi must be pre-booked either in person, at a depot, or by phone. The majority of these are not wheelchair accessible, so it is best to request a wheelchair-accessible taxi if you need this, although this is not guaranteed.

Motability Ireland provides car rentals to reduced mobility customers for use all over the island of Ireland. Their vehicles come with fully comprehensive insurance and 24-hour AA roadside assistance. The staff can even organise airport/ferry collections and drop-offs for you.

There is a range of parking facilities available to people with disabilities in towns and cities throughout Ireland. They are always located in "prime" parking spots beside building entrances, in city/town centers, etc. These parking bays are clearly marked for use by people with disabilities by both signs and road markings.

Although local authorities have no legal obligation to provide parking bays for people with disabilities, a certain number of spaces are available in all local authority on-street parking areas, local authority parking lots and public building parking lots. The location of these spaces will be laid down in local authority bye-laws.

For more information on disabled car spaces contact the local authority/council of the area in which you’re visiting.

Disabled Holidays is a great resource with a list of accommodation options that offer disabled facilities. Disabled Friendly Hotels provides a wonderful database of hotels with features that accommodate special needs. Each hotel partner is required to provide information on its accessibility and services, and the site includes reviews to confirm the validity of this information.

Accessible Ireland lists many tourist attractions with disabled amenities in Ireland. Some of Ireland’s historic sites, such as abbeys, castles and ruins, may not be as accessible as modern attractions such as Titanic Belfast. Castles and towers may have a first floor that is accessible; however, they are less likely to have lifts. Heritage Ireland manages many of Ireland’s heritage sites, providing information on each site’s accessibility. In Northern Ireland, the National Trust runs sites such as the Giant’s Causeway and has great access information for each site including parking, toilets and the grounds.

Free Travel

• January 11, 2019

Everyone aged 66 and over, legally resident and living permanently in the State, is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. Some people under 66 also qualify. If you qualify for free travel, you are issued with a card that you must carry with you when using public transport. In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available which allows a person to travel with the holder (if they are unable to travel alone). Free Travel Cards are non-transferable and can only be used by the named person.

Free travel is available on all State public transport (bus, rail and Dublin’s LUAS service) with some exceptions.

Free travel is also available on a limited number of services operated by private bus transport companies. Private bus transport operators that have opted in to the Free Travel Scheme accept free travel cards. You should contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to check whether your private bus operator accepts free travel cards – see ‘Where to apply’ below.

If you abuse your entitlement to free travel, the Department will review your entitlement to a Free Travel Card. For example, abuse could include wrongfully presenting a card for travel or engaging in anti-social behaviour while using the card. When you use your Free Travel Card you must also follow the rules that apply to your mode of transport.

SAFE registration and Public Services Card

The SAFE registration process (pdf) is used to establish and verify your identity. Your free travel pass will be contained in the  Public Services Card (PSC)  that issues following this registration. You must undergo SAFE registration when requested to do so by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Your entitlement to free travel will be disallowed or withdrawn if you don’t register.

If you are entitled to free travel, when you are issued with your new Public Services Card it will also be your Free Travel Card. ( The Public Services Card will eventually replace the Free Travel Pass .) The card will have F-T printed in a yellow octagon in the top-left-hand corner of the card.  You can see a sample card on welfare.ie (pdf) .

You must show your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. (In some cases, you may be asked to scan your Public Services Card, though not all transport operators have this facility.) When you receive your new Public Services Card, you must return your old free travel pass to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (see ‘Where to apply’ below).

There are 3 categories of free travel:

• If  FT-P  is written on your Public Services Card, you personally are entitled to free travel.
• If  FT+S  is written on your Public Services Card, your spouse, civil partner or  cohabitant  can join you for free when you are travelling (they cannot travel for free alone). A cohabitant is one of a couple who live together, but are not married or in a civil partnership. Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant’s name will not be on the card.
• If  FT+C  is written on your Public Services Card, a companion (over 16) can travel with you for free (because you are unable to travel alone for medical reasons).

Read FAQs on the Public Services Card and free travel (pdf) . Note that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is no longer issuing paper passes.

You can also read ‘ How to use your public services card for free travel’ (pdf) .

Spouses, civil partners, cohabitants and companions

If you are entitled to free travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, you are entitled to a Free Travel Card which allows your partner to accompany you free of charge when travelling. (This does not apply to people under age 66 who are getting  Carer’s Allowance  or who are nominated carers for people getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection).

If you are unable to travel alone, you may get a  Free Travel Companion Card . This allows you to be accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, free of charge. To qualify for a Free Travel Companion Card, you must satisfy certain conditions. Entitlement to the Companion Free Travel Card may be subject to periodic review. You can read about these conditions in the  Free Travel Scheme guidelines .

Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows a Free Travel cardholder (those aged 66 and older) to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a  Senior Smartpass  card. Similarly, Northern Ireland Senior Smartpass holders are entitled to travel for free on services in Ireland using their existing Senior Smartpass. If your Free Travel Card allows you to be accompanied by a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant or companion, they may continue to travel with you for free on cross-border journeys but they cannot accompany you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

Free Travel cardholders wishing to avail of the All Ireland Free Travel scheme within Northern Ireland must first get a Senior SmartPass card. To get a Senior SmartPass card you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). It is  not possible to get this form online . To get a form you must contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

The application form must be filled in with  black ink  only and returned  in person  (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. You must bring the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your current Free Travel Pass/Public Services Card and
• Evidence of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement) and
• Evidence of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification) and
• A recent passport standard colour photograph.

It may take up to six weeks to process your application. However you can only apply 3 weeks before your 66th birthday. If you apply more than 3 weeks before your 66th birthday, your application will be rejected. There is further information on the  extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

You should continue to use your current Free Travel Card for travel in this State.

Renewing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from  Translink  when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill out. (The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.)
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink on 048 9075 9129 who will send you a renewal application.

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On  31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU .  Senior SmartPass  holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

COVID-19 and the Free Travel Scheme

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that all transport operators are allowing customers with a PSC Free Travel Card to continue to avail of the Free Travel Scheme during the COVID-19 public health emergency, even if the card has expired.

You may be entitled to free travel if you are legally resident and permanently living in the State and:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance,  Blind Pension ,  Carer’s Allowance  or an  Invalidity Pension  from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen’s Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance from the Department
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment, or similar payment, from another EU member state or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months
• You are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over whose late spouse/civil partner held a free travel pass and who is getting one of the following payments: Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, One-Parent Family Payment, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme or a similar social security pension/benefit from an EU member state or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, or an ordinary Garda widow’s pension.
• You have confirmed your identity through the  SAFE registration process (pdf)  when requested to do so

Where free travel can be used

Free travel is available on most Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services. Free travel does not include some  special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services . You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Free travel is also available on the Dublin Bus NITELINK service.

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and the mainland. People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and the mainland.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel Card.

Working and keeping entitlement to Free Travel

Since 6 April 2017, under the  Make Work Pay  initiative, if you move from a long-term disability payment (see list below) to a job, you can keep your entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years, provided you have registered for a Public Services Card.

•Disability Allowance

•Invalidity Pension

•Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)

•Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

•Transfer from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment, SOLAS or Back to Work scheme.

How to apply

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a social welfare pension, the Free Travel Card will issue automatically if you have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process when requested to do so. If you have not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card issues to you.

If you are under age 66 and have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process, you will get a Free Travel Card automatically when you are awarded an Invalidity Pension, a Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. If you have not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card issues to you.

In all other circumstances, you must apply for free travel by completing a  Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

You can get this form and additional information from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection – see ‘Where to apply’ below. The form is also available at  your local post office .

If you are married or in a civil partnership and either of you apply for free travel, or are issued a card automatically, the appropriate type of card (to allow your spouse or civil partner to accompany you free of charge) will be issued. If you are cohabiting, you must apply for this type of card by completing PART 2 of the application form above.

If you are unable to travel alone, you apply for a Free Travel Companion pass separately, using either an  Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)  or an  Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf) .

Lost or damaged Free Travel Passes

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass – a paper Free Travel Pass and a Public Services Card Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner). Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass you must undergo SAFE registration and get a  Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 1890 837000 to request a replacement card.

Where to apply

Free travel section.

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

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Full Information

Free travel scheme, free travel scheme.

Everyone aged 66 and over, legally resident and living permanently in the State (Republic of Ireland), is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. Some people under 66 also qualify. If you qualify for Free Travel, you will be issued a card from the Department of Social Protection. You must carry your Free Travel Card with you when using public transport. In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available, which allows a person to travel for free with the holder (if they are unable to travel alone). Free Travel Cards are non-transferable and can only be used by the named person.

If you abuse your entitlement to Free Travel, the Department of Social Protection will review your entitlement to a Free Travel Card. For example, abuse could include wrongfully presenting a card for travel or engaging in anti-social behaviour while using the card. When you use your Free Travel Card, you must also follow the rules that apply to your mode of transport.

SAFE registration and Public Services Card

The  SAFE registration process establishes and verifies your identity. Your Free Travel Pass will be contained in the Public Services Card (PSC) that is issued following the SAFE registration process. You must undergo SAFE registration when requested to do so by the Department of Social Protection. Your entitlement to Free Travel will be disallowed or withdrawn if you don’t register.

If you are entitled to Free Travel, when you are issued with your new Public Services Card, it will also be your Free Travel Card. ( The Public Services Card will eventually replace the Free Travel Pass .) The card will have “F-T” printed in a yellow octagon in the top-left-hand corner of the card. 

You must show your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. When you receive your new Public Services Card, you must return your old Free Travel Pass to the Department of Social Protection (see ‘Where to apply’ below).

There are three categories of Free Travel:

• If  FT-P is written on your Public Services Card, you personally are entitled to Free Travel.
• If  FT+S  is written on your Public Services Card, your spouse, partner or  cohabitant can join you for free when you travel (they cannot travel for free alone). Your spouse, partner or cohabitant’s name will not be on the card.
• If  FT+C  is written on your Public Services Card, a companion (over 16) can travel with you for free (because you are unable to travel alone for medical reasons).

Note that the Department of Social Protection is no longer issuing paper passes.

Spouses, civil partners, cohabitants and companions

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, you are entitled to a Free Travel Card which allows your partner to accompany you free of charge when travelling. (This does not apply to people under age 66 who are getting Carer’s Allowance or who are nominated carers for people getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance).

If you are unable to travel alone, you may get a Free Travel Companion Card. This allows you to be accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, free of charge. You must satisfy certain conditions to qualify for a Free Travel Companion Card. Entitlement to the Companion Free Travel Card may be subject to periodic review. You can read about these conditions here .

You may be entitled to Free Travel if you are legally resident and permanently living in the State and:

• You are aged 66 or over;
• You are getting Disability Allowance,  Blind Pension ,  Carer’s Allowance  or an  Invalidity Pension ;
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen’s Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months;
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension;
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance;
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment, or similar payment, from another EU member state or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months;
• You are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over whose late spouse/civil partner held a Free Travel Pass and who is getting one of the following payments: Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, One-Parent Family Payment, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme or a similar social security pension/benefit from an EU member state or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, or an ordinary Garda widow’s pension.
• You have confirmed your identity through the  SAFE registration process when requested to do so.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel Card.

Working and keeping entitlement to Free Travel

Since 6 April 2017, under the  Make Work Pay  initiative, if you move from a long-term disability payment (see list below) to a job, you can keep your entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years, provided you have registered for a Public Services Card.

• Disability Allowance

• Invalidity Pension

• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)

• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

• Transfer from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment, SOLAS or Back to Work scheme.

How to apply

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a social welfare pension, the Free Travel Card will be issued automatically if you have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process when requested to do so. If you are not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card is issued to you.

If you are under age 66 and have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process, you will get a Free Travel Card automatically when you are awarded an Invalidity Pension, a Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. If you are not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card is issued to you.

In all other circumstances, you must apply for Free Travel by completing a Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

You can get this form and additional information from the Department of Social Protection – see ‘Where to apply’ below. The form is also available at your local post office .

If you are married or in a civil partnership and either of you applies for Free Travel or are issued a card automatically, the appropriate type of card (to allow your spouse or civil partner to accompany you free of charge) will be issued. If you are cohabiting, you must apply for this type of card by completing PART 2 of the application form quoted above.

If you are unable to travel alone, you should apply for a Free Travel Companion Pass separately, using either an Over 70 Companion Pass form (pdf)  or an  Under 70 Companion Pass form (pdf) .

Lost or damaged Free Travel Passes

There are currently two types of Free Travel Pass: a paper Free Travel Pass and a Public Services Card Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner). Paper passes are no longer being issued, so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837000  to request a replacement card.

Where to apply

Free Travel Section Social Welfare Services College Road, Sligo, Ireland

If you wish to talk to someone face-to-face about your entitlements, you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre ,  Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office .

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Disability toll exemption scheme, toll exemption scheme, how it works.

Disabled Drivers: Guidelines for toll plaza barrier.

How can I check if my vehicle qualifies for the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme?

Simply use our DTES Application Form to clarify if your vehicle qualifies for the toll exemption scheme. Enter your details including your vehicle registration number. We may ask you to provide the vehicle registration cert or other documents for further clarity.

Removing toll charges for modified disability vehicles. On behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland .

Useful links.

A selection of partners and supports.

Free and concessionary bus and rail travel

If you're aged 60 or over, or you have a disability, you may be entitled to concessionary travel on bus and railway journeys within Northern Ireland. Translink and some other transport operators also offer half fare travel for children and young people up until 30 June following their 16th birthday.

Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse

Free travel on bus or rail is available if you have refuge or emergency accommodation through Women’s Aid or the NI Housing Executive.  

You can find details on the following page:

• Domestic violence and abuse

Concessionary fares (bus passes) in Northern Ireland

The following concessions are provided on eligible scheduled services operated by Translink and other participating operators:

Free travel for:

• everyone aged 60 and over
• people who are registered blind
• war disablement pensioners

Half fare travel for people:

• who get the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• who have had a driving licence refused or revoked on medical grounds
• who have a recognised learning disability
• who are partially-sighted (sight impaired)

To be eligible for any of the above concessions, you must apply for and receive a concessionary travel card, called a SmartPass.

Getting the care component of PIP by itself does not make you eligible for a SmartPass.

You can get details below of eligibility and how to apply on the following pages:

• 60+/Senior SmartPass
• Blind SmartPass
• War Disablement SmartPass
• Half Fare SmartPass - Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Half Fare SmartPass - Learning Disability
• Half Fare SmartPass - Partially Sighted
• Half Fare SmartPass - Driving Licence Refused

SmartPass holders can use their card on all Glider services, with Half Fare SmartPass holders receiving full fare discount on this service.

All Ireland Free Travel Scheme for senior citizens

Senior citizens are eligible for free travel on public transport throughout the island of Ireland.

Senior citizens resident in Northern Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 65.

Senior citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland can get all Ireland free travel at the age of 66.

The 60+ SmartPass does not entitle the holder to all Ireland travel.

Note to 60+ SmartPass holders who will turn 65 shortly

Your 60+ SmartPass is programmed to run out at the end of the calendar month in which you become 65.

If you have applied for a Senior SmartPass, it will not be sent to you until near the end of the month in which you become 65.

As free all Ireland and cross-border travel is only available to holders of a Senior (65+) SmartPass, you may have to wait up to three weeks following your 65th birthday before you can make use of this benefit.

Contact information

If you have any queries, contact Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Concessionary Fares .

More useful links

• Rail travel
• Motoring, travel and transport for people with disabilities
• Travel information for people with reduced mobility
• Republic of Ireland Senior Citizen SmartPass for travelling in NI

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What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to [email protected] 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 Email  [email protected]

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750  Email  [email protected]

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to [email protected] or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service .

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service .

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit .

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) section , then for queries about:

• Restrictions or regulations —  contact the Department of Health
• Travel advice (including self-isolation) —  contact the Department of Health
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the  Department of Health  or  Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] and for queries about your certificate, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email [email protected]

Application and payment queries can be emailed to  [email protected]

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency .

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email  [email protected]

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email  [email protected] .

For queries about:

• Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea  
• Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about passports, contact  HM Passport Office .

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email  [email protected]

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the  Northern Ireland Pension Centre .

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section .

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads .

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service .

For queries or advice about rates, email [email protected]

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact  Smartpass - Translink .

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly .  We don't have access to information about you.

Get the facts on Ireland's Free Travel Scheme

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme

WHAT is the Free Travel Scheme?

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Who qualifies for it?

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel if they are in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. You can check with your local Citizens Information Centre if you are unsure whether or not you qualify.

If I have Free Travel can somebody else travel with me?

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free. They cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are getting Carer’s Allowance, or you are the nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who you can take with you:

FT-P - you can travel for free

FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free

FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must carry it with you when you are using public transport.

Paper free travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

Where can I use Free Travel?

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services. Free travel is also available on Local Link services.

It does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services.

Are there any limits on the times when I can use my Free Travel?

There are no restrictions.

Can I use my Free Travel to travel to Northern Ireland?

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smartpass.

How do I get a Senior Smartpass?

To qualify for free travel within Northern Ireland, you must be in receipt of a Free Travel Card or Paper Pass and be aged 66 years or over. Your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, or companion is not eligible to accompany you for free in Northern Ireland under this scheme. You can get an application form from your local Social Welfare Intreo office or Citizens Information Centre

What happens if I have Free Travel due to a disability and I start work ?

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

Disability Allowance

Invalidity Pension

Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)

Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment, SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

How to apply for Free Travel

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a social welfare pension, your Public Service Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically. You must have completed the PSC SAFE registration process and be getting one of the following payments:

State Pension

Blind Pension

Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1.

If you are not getting one of the payments above, but you are eligible for Free Travel you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1.

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre.

What happens if I lose or damage my Free Travel pass or PSC?

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass - a paper Free Travel Pass and a Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner). Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card.

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

The telephone lines for South Munster Citizens Information in Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public from 10am to 12.30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the Blackpool CIC is open to the public each morning from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Full details for all Citizens Information Centres and their opening times are available on our website.

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