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National Transport Plan lacks all ambition

The government’s National Transport Plan is completely lacking in ambition, according to Social Democrats transport spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “The government’s National Transport Plan lacks all ambition and its rollout of public transport projects is unacceptably slow. “Luas Finglas, which received planning permission this month, won’t start construction until 2029. This is not […]

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Taxi regulations must be tightened in light of Uber plans

Uber’s plan to introduce fixed-rate fares to their service presents an existential threat to taxiing, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins and transport spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Cummins said: “Taxi drivers are being pushed out of their livelihoods by the greed of multinational corporations, who are allowed to act with impunity despite the implications […]

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Minister has questions to answer on proposed €1 million exit package for DAA chief executive

The Minister for Transport must answer questions relating to a proposal by DAA to make an extravagant exit payment of almost €1 million to its chief executive, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said: “The eye-watering sum of money involved in this proposed exit package for […]

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Finglas LUAS must be funded and fast tracked

Funding must be assigned to the Finglas LUAS extension so it can be fast tracked, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, who represents the constituency. Deputy Hearne, who represents Dublin North-West, said: “The granting of planning permission for the extension of LUAS to Finglas is very welcome, but we need to see delivery as […]

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Department of Education not fit to oversee School Transport Scheme

Government responsibility for the School Transport Scheme should be transferred out of the Department of Education and put under the remit of the Department of Transport, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on transport, said: “The start of the new term has yet again been marked by […]

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Last-minute cancellation of school bus services completely unacceptable

Bus Éireann and the Department of Education must immediately outline how many pupils will be affected by the last-minute cancellation of bus services due to operate next week under the School Transport Scheme, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on transport, said: “With only days to go […]

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Whitmore calls for expansion of quieter carriage initiative on rail services

The expansion of the ‘quieter carriage’ initiative on Iarnród Éireann services would result in a more inclusive and work-friendly travel experience for passengers, according to Social Democrats transport spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “Quieter carriages have proved extremely popular since they were reintroduced on the Dublin to Cork service back in 2022 and there […]

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Government must expand eligibility for School Transport Scheme

The government must urgently expand eligibility for the School Transport Scheme to help Ireland achieve its climate action targets, reduce congestion on our roads, and tackle education disadvantage, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins. Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on education, said: “With just 18 per cent of primary and post-primary pupils […]

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Disruption to rail services on busy bank holiday weekends must be reviewed

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called on Iarnród Éireann to take potential disruption to major public events into account when scheduling essential rail works. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said: “Irish Rail’s tendency to curtail DART and commuter services on bank holiday weekends to facilitate works on the line urgently needs […]

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Increasing rail fares will put more cars on our roads

Today’s hike in rail fares for thousands of passengers in the new Dublin Commuter Zone has been described as a retrograde step by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said: “While I am in favour of the National Transport Authority’s move towards a simpler pricing structure, the new […]

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