The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says he accepts the rise in bus and rail fares are hard for the public to swallow.

Increases of up to 7% came into force over the weekend on Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, Luas and Irish Rail services.

Irish Rail fares rose by an average of 9% for DART, short hop commuter services and Intercity - while Cork commuter services are up 4%.

Monthly and annual Irish Rail tickets have been increased, while cash fares will also go up from December 1st.

For Bus Éireann passengers, monthly and annual Taxsaver ticket prices have increased - with the average going up by 3.5%.

Luas all zones monthly and commuter tickets are staying the same, but three zones monthly and annual fares are going up.

And Dublin Bus fares will increase by an average of 10% from December 1st.

But Mr Donohoe told Newstalk Lunchtime the money is being used to improve overall services.