Epilepsy Ireland welcomes extension of free travel scheme

Epilepsy Ireland has welcomed the extension of the State’s Free Travel scheme to include individuals who are deemed medically unfit to drive for at least a year and those who have never been able to drive due to long-term medical condition or disability. 

The extension officially came into effect from July 29^th, following Minister Heather Humphreys securing funding for the measure in Budget 2024. It is estimated that up to 32,000 people across Ireland could now qualify because of the changes.

The Free Travel Scheme allows for free travel on public transport provided by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.

The first official user of the newly extended scheme, Síomha Connolly explained how the extension of the scheme will benefit her:

“On my 21st birthday in May 2012, I was gifted driving lessons and in June 2012, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Those lessons remained unused as I have never been seizure-free long enough to begin driving. Being medically barred from driving is difficult to comprehend until you are in that position.

“It can impact on all aspects of life as you rely heavily on public transport and the kindness of friends and family to get around. No-one wants to have epilepsy and to be in this situation, so not being able to access the support of Free Travel – when my medical condition prevented me from driving – never made sense to me and many others like me.

“I am so glad that the difficulties this can cause has been recognised through the extension of the scheme. It will be of benefit to me and many others who have additional transport costs due to their long-term health conditions and will help reduce the dependence on others to live your life.”

As most new diagnoses of epilepsy and breakthrough seizures are met with a driving restriction of at least one year, Epilepsy Ireland spearheaded a campaign for many years to introduce this change. Up until July 29^th, the Free Travel scheme was only accessible when a person was in receipt of other Departmental payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and State Pension scheme.

Welcoming the changes, Epilepsy Ireland Advocacy & Communications Manager Paddy McGeoghegan said:

“The newly extended scheme coming into effect marks the end of what has been a longstanding campaign by Epilepsy Ireland. Over the past few weeks, it has been heartening to receive messages from people with epilepsy who have received their approval for the extended scheme, telling us how much this new measure means to them and how it will help navigate some of the challenges that present due to driving restrictions. It is a measure that extends far beyond the epilepsy community as well and will assist thousands of others who may experience driving restrictions due to a medical condition or disability.

“We are delighted to see the new scheme officially in place and would like to once again thank Minister Humphreys for her leadership and commitment to delivering this important change.”