Dolan welcomes introduction of free travel 'companion pass'

The planned introduction in September of a free travel 'companion pass' for people aged over 70 in County Westmeath has been welcomed by local Councillor John Dolan.

Cllr Dolan said that 482,612 people across Ireland over the age of 70 will be able to avail of the companion pass.

“From September, people over 70 in County Westmeath will have an entitlement to receive a free travel 'companion pass'. This means that those aged 70 or over can have another person, aged 16 or older, travel with them for free on transport services.

“This will make a real difference in peoples' lives. 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 travelling alone as they can bring a companion along with them for free.

“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 and I am delighted that so many people in our county 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,” Cllr Dolan said.