Now we have an answer: yes, in two years’ time, and at a cost of somewhere between €220 million and €270 million. The National Transport Authority has opened a new headquarters for its “Next Generation Ticketing” programme, delivered with Spanish firm Indra. London’s TfL developed its contactless system in-house for £11 million (€13 million), building upon existing Oyster infrastructure. Even accounting for Ireland’s ambition to deliver a national system, the cost looks high. Citizens are entitled to ask whether this is an immutable law of Irish public administration, or simple dysfunction.

Source: The Irish Times February 07, 2026 08:04 UTC