A decision by Iarnród Éireann to increase student rail fares has been condemned as a "cynical" move by the Labour Party.
The national rail firm has announced changes to its InterCity promotional fares, effective from this Wednesday.
Student fares, as well as Faircard and Weekender Card fares, weekly and monthly InterCity tickets and annual tickets, will all be increased. Iarnród Eireann said student fares would increase by an average of eight per cent and season tickets will rise by around seven per cent.
The company said these fares would, however, remain "heavily discounted" compared to standard fares.
It added: "The fares revision is necessary as Iarnród Éireann is faced with increasing inflationary pressures, whilst undertaking the largest ever Irish railway investment programme."
"Fuel and insurance costs alone have increased dramatically in recent years. Fuel (oil and electricity) costs increased from €10.9 million in 2000 to €18.7 million last year, an increase of 72 per cent. Insurance costs will have risen by more than 300% in three years from €1.158 million in 2000 to a forecast €4.431 million in 2003," the company said.
Labour's spokeswoman on consumer affairs, Ms Kathleen Lynch, demanded that Iarnród Éireann match the planned increase in fares with "a vastly improved service".
"This price rise is going to hit students and others who regularly travel long distances most. The timing of the increase is especially cynical as almost 100,000 students return to university after the summer break," she said.
Ms Lynch questioned whether the rise would guarantee customers a seat, access to food and drink services or that the trains would run on time.
"Iarnród Eireann is choosing to bite the hand that feeds it in levying such increases on those who use rail services the most. However, if they are going to proceed with these hikes, the very least commuters should expect is some measure of reciprocation on Iarnród Éireann's behalf."
Full details of fares are available from Iarnród Éireann stations, or at 1850 366222. The new fares will be applicable from 3rd September in the case of student fares, and 1st October for season and annual tickets.