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24 Oct 2025
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24 Oct 2025
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Laois Age Friendly Older People's Council attend the unveiling of Ballybrophy train station's Age Friendly Award in April. Photo: Jason Clarke
Thousands of Laois people over the age of 70 will now be entitled to bring a friend or relative with them and travel for free, according to a Laois TD.
From September 2025, all people aged over 70 will be entitled to get a Free Travel Companion (FT+C) Public Services Card. This means someone aged 70 or over can have another person, aged 16 or older, including their spouse or partner, travel with them for free on all transport services provided as part of the Free Travel scheme.
This news was welcomed by Portlaoise Fine Gael TD Willie Aird saying 6,098 people in Laois will be eligible.
"The new 'Universal Companion Pass' was announced in the 2025 Budget, and is particularly aimed at elderly people who may want a son or daughter to accompany them to medical appointments.
"Previously, medical documentation was required upon application for a pass, but it will now be available for all over 70.
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Pictured: Ballybrophy train station. Photo: The Leinster Express
“This will make a real difference in people’s lives," Deputy Aird said.
"If you have to travel to a hospital or medical appointment, you can bring somebody along with you on public transport for free.
“For day trips, concerts, family events, and matches, people over 70 can be reassured that they don’t have to miss out for fear of traveling alone, they can bring a companion along with them for free," he said.
Over 482,612 people across Ireland over the age of 70 will be able to avail of the companion pass.
The Department of Social Protection is now writing to eligible persons to inform them of their entitlement to the Free Travel Companion Pass from September 2025.
“This is an important measure brought forward by Fine Gael as part of the last Budget," Deputy Aird stated.
"I’m delighted that so many people in County Laois will benefit from this measure.
“I would encourage people to look out for correspondence from the Department and follow the advice to make sure they are ready to hit the road on the bus or train from September,” concluded Deputy Aird.
The Department of Transport received an allocation of €3.9 billion in the 2025 Budget, an increase of €480 million from Budget 2024.
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