Two-week initiative signals good news for children in Ireland

From next Monday, children aged between four and 18-years-old will be entitled to a fortnight of free public transport.

In an effort to promote the Leap card, child holders of the travel card will be offered free public transport for fourteen days.

Those entitled to the fortnight of free travel can avail of services offered by Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, short-hop commuter rail and Bus Eireann.

Commenting on the initiative, Transport Minister, Paschal Donohue, said: "This initiative will further promote the scheme and encourage greater pick-up by commuters."

Hoping to encourage families and children to use public transport over the summer months, the minister went on to say: "It [the scheme] rewards Leap Card users, giving them a valuable incentive they will feel in their pocket, at a time when they are out and about enjoying what we hope will be July summer sun."

Urging teenagers to avail of the scheme, Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: "We are particularly keen that those in the senior cycle of secondary school apply for their personalised card so that they can enjoy the cheapest fares for getting to and from school, and for their extra-curricular activities."

As it stands, a fare paid with a Leap card is typically 15 to 20% cheaper than those paid with cash.

Thus far, one million Leap cards have been sold in the country.