Ireland Can Be a Climate Leader Through Introduction of Monthly Travel Ticket

Questioning the Tánaiste in the Dáil today, Labour leader and climate spokesperson Ivana Bacik called on government to adopt Labour’s proposal of a €9 climate ticket as part of next week’s mini-Budget package.

Deputy Bacik said this Government’s approach to climate action is strong on rhetoric but week on delivery and the time has come for environmentally-conscious choices to be made.

Deputy Bacik said:

“Labour is calling for the introduction of a €9 climate transport ticket to help people make the move to public transport; save on costs of fuel; and help Ireland meet our ever-distant emission targets.

“Modelled on a similar scheme which was introduced in Germany, the ticket would entitle people across the country to unlimited travel, across all modes of transport, for just €9 per month.

“We estimate that the carbon emissions savings of such a policy would be equivalent to removing 23,000 cars off our roads. It’s time this Government was brave enough to take radical steps towards a cleaner future.

“If we are serious about achieving our net zero targets, we need carrots, not just sticks. We need to see leadership from the Dáil. The mini-budget to be announced on Tuesday must be framed in a package of cost-saving measures for households that support our climate obligations.

“When we look abroad, we see other Government’s have the courage to be brave when it comes to climate. The Labour Government in Wales has taken the radical decision to halt future road building projects due to climate concerns, the French Government is moving to ban short-haul flights where a decent rail alternative is available. State Governments in Australia are turning down mining licences to avoid further damage to the Great Barrier Reef. Let’s have Ireland stand shoulder to shoulder with other countries and peoples determined to combat the effects of climate change.

“We cannot afford to miss any more of our vital climate targets. Next week’s mini-budget simply must be framed around the lens of climate action. Let’s be ambitious for ourselves and for our planet. A climate transport ticket would meaningfully take the pressure off of hard pressed households across the country while also representing a radical change in how we approach climate change.”