Accelerated decarbonisation of our bus and rail fleet, along with improvements to existing public transport services, will be required to reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and help us meet our climate action targets, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate, said:
“A report from the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) has warned that our dependence on fossil fuels is leaving the country exposed to future price shocks. It also echoes recent comments by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) that the Government’s temporary emergency responses to fuel price increases were not sufficiently targeted.
“When it comes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, transport continues to be one of the worst performing sectors.
“I completely agree with the CCAC’s call for accelerated investment in public transport, active travel and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
“And while the decarbonisation of our bus and rail fleet is essential if we are to come anywhere close to meeting our legally binding climate action targets by 2030, the Government also needs to inspire confidence in existing public transport services.
“That means not cancelling trains on busy bank holiday weekends; not leaving concert-goers stranded; not subjecting train passengers to overcrowding in overheated carriages on hot days; scheduled buses not suddenly disappearing off the TFI app; packed buses not passing passengers by at bus stops; and proper public transport links between rural towns and villages where car dependency is high.
“Until such a time we see promised public transport improvements delivered – such as the extension of DART services to Wicklow using battery electric trains – we need to incentivise people to leave their cars at home. This will only happen by improving services and enhancing passenger experience.”
June 17, 2026