Commuters in the capital could have to pay higher bus and rail fares - after the National Transport Authority gave its approval for hikes of up to 10.3%.

According the The Irish Times, the price rises are so far only confined to monthly and annual Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Bus Éireann tickets - but will also affect all other commuter services.

The transport companies say the price increases are a direct result of the budget - after a Government subsidy was cut.

It's believed the hikes will add between €100 and 200 to the annual cost of commuting.