Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has reacted to the announcement of a draft transport strategy being signed off by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and the wider Cabinet today.
The strategy includes measures to phase out the Diesel Rebate Scheme, equalisation of petrol and diesel excise charges, and charges for those using roads across rural and urban areas.
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:
“I want to be clear – Sinn Féin’s approach to Transport, whether public or private, is one that has decarbonisation at its core. The difference with our approach and the government’s approach is that we are practical.
“The draft transport strategy coming from today’s Cabinet meeting is heavily based on the ULEZ system, currently in operation in London, and Minister Ryan has been open about that.
“What the Minister is failing to grasp is that the London public transport system and the Irish one are worlds apart.
“We can all agree that the public transport system in London has been in place for decades, is well run, and offers commuters an exceptionally reliable option to get to their destination whether it be school, work, or medical appointments. There is little need for a private car there because of this.
“Unfortunately the same cannot be said for either our capital city, or the wider public transport system across Ireland.
“This government is heavy on good intentions, but light when it comes to practical actions and solutions.
“Every week I deal with queries about ghost buses, delayed timetables, and under capacity on both trains and buses. This is not the fault of transport workers, it is the symptom of years of underinvestment in our public transport services.
“We are without the basics here – a metro system to serve Dublin, a tram system in Cork, and rail connections to our main airports.
“This draft strategy is yet another way for this out of touch government to punish motorists, hauliers and transport operators for using the only form of transport they feel able to rely on.”
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