Rail Users Ireland urges fee for pets on public transport

Rail Users Ireland has called for pet owners to be charged a small fee for bringing animals on board public transport.

The National Transport Authority announced that pets will soon be permitted on DARTs, buses, trains and the Luas, prompting concerns about additional strain on services.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland said the Republic is “out of step” with much of Europe by not already allowing pets. He warned that allowing “anything you want on board” could be unreasonable during peak times, noting that large animals would need muzzles and that there are no controls for rush‑hour crowds.

Gleeson argued that safety and the well‑being of animals must be considered, especially if they become trapped in overcrowded, overheated vehicles. He suggested a nominal charge, citing an 11‑point submission that highlighted similar fees in central Europe for larger animals occupying space that could otherwise be used by passengers.

The group said public transport is underfunded and that charging for pets would help balance space constraints.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Tito Zzzz / Pexels.