€4 charge scrapped for transport services for those with additional needs

HSE confirms funding of €250,000 for the rest of 2025, and €500,000 for 2026

The decision from the HSE to provide funding to cover the cost of Day Service transportation has been welcomed by a Fianna Fáil Senator.

Day Service users in the Northwest and Midwest have until now been charged €4 for transportation.

Senator Robbie Gallagher was delighted that the HSE is providing funding of €250,000 for for the rest of this year.

Senator Gallagher said: “I have long advocated for this to be removed and funded for by the HSE in the NorthWest and MidWest to come in line with other users in other regions of the country.

“Furthermore, I have been informed that from the 1st of January 2026, there will be Core funding allocated to address the €4 service charge issue moving forward."

He added, “This is a great day and a win for those with additional needs who use the Day Services and need the transportation.

Senator Gallagher thanked Minister Norma Foley for "all her hard work" on this issue, along with relevant stakeholders such as the HSE.

“I have worked extremely hard on this issue for the last two or three years. It is an issue close to my heart and something I deeply care about. Equality is vital when it comes to disability, these people are some of our most vulnerable in society and need support.”