The National Transport Authority say the Dublin Bus fleet is "too old" to take contactless payments.
In major UK and European cities, passengers can tap their card or phone to pay for a fare instead of using cash or a Leap Card.
Since 2012, Londoners have been able to pay for bus and train fares by tapping their credit card or smartphone.
Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham, was asked about a timeline for the introduction of the system here during Dublin City Council's monthly meeting.
Anne Graham says it could be years away.
"We're in the middle of the procurement of that system.
"We hope to be able to then start implementation once we've appointed a contractor to deliver that.
"Once we have that contractor appointed, we'll have a better idea of what the timeline is. It will be in the months and years".
