The Labour Party is calling for a €9 a month unlimited public transport ticket. The call was made at the recent Labour Party Conference to be included in the party's alternative Budget.
Local Cllr . Seamus Ryan told WLR News the move would benefit the public and the planet alike.
"We are calling for the introduction of this monthly flat rate to help people make the move to public transport, to save on the cost of fuel, and to help Ireland meet our ever-distant emission targets.
"These targets are proving very difficult to reach, and this would be one practical measure the government could introduce to help us reach those."
EPA Projections indicate that:
- Ireland will achieve a reduction of 29 percent in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to a target of 51 percent.
- Almost all sectors are on a trajectory to exceed their national sectoral emissions ceilings for 2025 and 2030, including Agriculture, Electricity Transport, and Industry.
- The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) will not be met by a significant margin.
- Reaching the 2030 target requires implementing policies that deliver emission reductions across all sectors in the short term.
- Ireland needs to fully implement the actions in the 2023 Climate Action Plan that have been defined; firm up the actions that currently don’t have associated policies and measures, such as diversification in agriculture; and identify and implement further policies and measures.
Councillor Seamus Ryan continued, "If we are going to encourage people to use public transport, we must provide a proper public transport system. One that is accessible, affordable, and covers all areas of Waterford City and County.
"One area that I could see would benefit from a climate transport ticket is for those living in Tramore who are coming into Waterford City to work.
"There's a growing demand around the county for this type of service to be introduced. A 9 euro ticket that covers all modes of public transport.
"I am asking our Oireachtas members to get behind this and to raise it at Government level, and to trial the service here in Waterford.
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