Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, has signed the Statutory Instruments to enact the agreed reforms of the Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes.

CIÉ is the state-owned company responsible for public transport in the Republic of Ireland, operating under the authority of the Minister for Transport, and has two pension schemes.

Through the pension agreement, a new framework has been established for the future of the pension schemes.

This included the introduction of a defined contribution scheme for new employees and the closure of the existing defined benefit scheme to new entrants.

Changes for current scheme members were also agreed, while nearly 5,000 eligible CIÉ pensioners will receive a 5 per cent pension increase.

The reform follows engagement between CIÉ Group and the CIÉ Trade Union Group, with the proposals receiving the support of union members in both pension schemes in August 2025.

O’Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers jointly approved the proposals.

The government said that the completion of the subsequent statutory process marked an important step in addressing longstanding challenges facing pension provision across the group.

The measures have been designed to improve the long-term sustainability of pension arrangements for retired, existing, and future employees, while managing the financial risks associated with existing pension liabilities.

As administrators of the scheme, CIÉ Holding Company will progress the administrative and operational steps required to implement the reforms.

“Signing these Statutory Instruments today is a pivotal moment in the long-running process of securing a more sustainable future for CIÉ pensions and delivering progress for all eligible pensioners,” O’Brien stated.

“I am pleased to see a long-awaited increase in pensions being delivered and I have been fully supportive of this process since becoming Minister for Transport.

“Reaching this stage has required sustained engagement and a willingness from all sides to work through complex issues.

“I would like to thank the CIÉ Group, the CIÉ Trade Union Group, pensioner representatives, the Department of Transport’s advisers in NewERA, and officials in the Department of Transport and Department of Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, for their commitment and work in achieving this outcome.

“I would also like to thank An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, for their steadfast support through this process.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, added: “The completion of this CIÉ pension reform provides certainty for current and future members while ensuring that eligible pensioners can now benefit from a long-awaited pension increase.

“The agreement reflects the commitment shown by all parties over many years to find a balanced and sustainable solution to a complex challenge. I want to acknowledge the constructive engagement of all involved in helping bring this process to a successful conclusion.”

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