Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has said that while the TFI Anseo pilot project in Killarney has undoubtedly provided a valuable public transport service for many people, serious questions now need to be asked about its long-term financial sustainability.

The comments come following a reply received from the National Transport Authority (NTA), which confirmed that fare revenue generated by the service between August 2025 and March 2026 amounted to €62,565, while the operating cost over the same period was €495,000.

Deputy Healy-Rae said:

“There is no doubt that many people have benefited from the TFI Anseo service. It has provided a flexible transport option, particularly for those without access to a car, older people, students and workers who need to get around Killarney. I have heard positive feedback from a lot of users and that should be acknowledged.”

“However, we also have to be honest and ask questions about the figures that have now been provided by the NTA. The service generated just over €62,500 in fare income during the period in question, while costing almost half a million euro to operate. That means the taxpayer is carrying the overwhelming majority of the cost.”

Deputy Healy-Rae said that while public transport services will always require some level of subsidy, there must be a clear understanding of whether the current model can be sustained in the longer term.

“Nobody expects rural or local transport services to make a profit, nor should they. Public transport is a public service. However, there is a difference between subsidising a service and having a situation where the cost and income are so far apart. It is only fair that questions are asked as to whether the model is sustainable and whether value for money is being achieved.”

The long-running saga surrounding the opening of the new Killarney Community Hospital is nearing its end, with confirmation that patients will be transferred to the facility by the end of June.

Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae confirmed the timeline following a meeting with the HSE. Patients currently residing in St Columbanus’ Home and the existing Killarney District Hospital are scheduled to be relocated to the new state-of-the-art development within weeks.

“Following a meeting with HSE, I am very glad about the update that patients from Columbanus and the District Hospital in Killarney will be moved to the new Killarney Community Hospital by the end of June,” Deputy Healy-Rae said.

“I had raised the urgent need for this in the Dáil and at every opportunity. This is very welcome news for all concerned.”

The purpose-built 130-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) has been at an advanced stage of readiness, with room allocations already agreed with existing residents. The final phase of the project involves securing official registration from the health watchdog, HIQA, before the doors can officially open.

The transfer will mark the closure of the older St Columbanus’ Home and Killarney District Hospital facilities.