97. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation timeline for the next generation ticketing system; the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure the project is delivered on schedule and within budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52160/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

Next generation ticketing is something we absolutely need not just in Dublin but all of Ireland. This project was first mooted in 2012, yet here we are in 2025 and we still are waiting. Can the Minister please give us an update as to where we are with this project, the oversight mechanisms and how we can ensure this project is delivered to the new timelines? Can he give us confidence as to when we will see it?

Sentiment score: 0.28

I thank the Minister and I appreciate the update. When we look at other cities across Europe, we see they have introduced contactless payments much quicker. Milan did it in 24 months across multimode transport. One of the things I am concerned about is we have a contractor, Indra, who is to work with the NTA to deliver a very complex IT deployment across Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, and Luas. It is a very complex IT project. We see Indra already is €40 million over budget on the national train control centre project, as well as two years delayed. We do not have an amazing track record at delivering complex IT projects across the public service. I appreciate that a lot of money is being invested in this and that the Minister will keep strong oversight of it, but it needs very strong oversight to make sure we do not have the same situation as with the train control centre, that is a €40 million overrun and two-year delay.

Sentiment score: 0.13

On the operating model for the NTA, am I right that after the deployment of next generation ticketing, the NTA will be moving from simply doing oversight to directly managing fare collection, system operations and having regulatory oversight? Does this give rise to a conflict of interest between the various roles, particularly when it comes to disputes? Is there a clear operating model for the NTA? Will there be transparent governance structures to make sure there are no conflicts of interest between the various roles? Does the NTA have all the competence and capabilities to deliver the next generation ticketing in conjunction with Indra as well as a fit-for-purpose operating model?

Sentiment score: 0.14