Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport to indicate the extent to which all public transport is in the course of decarbonisation; the achievements to date in this regard; the projections for the future, including timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53135/23]
View answerAs transport accounts for a little over 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, there can be no doubt that the sector has a vital role to play in our national decarbonisation efforts. Providing meaningful alternatives to everyday car journeys, especially in our cities, is fundamental to achieving our climate objectives.
We are taking tangible steps towards meeting our ambitious decarbonisation goals for the public transport sector, including:
- Delivering new and enhanced public transport services through programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland;
- Introducing fare initiatives such as the 90-minute fare, the 20% average fare discount and the Young Adult Card;
- Issuing nearly 300,000 Young Adult Cards since they were introduced in May 2022;
- Supporting increased patronage on Local Link bus services - which is now over 51,000 every week; and
- Average daily passenger numbers on bus and rail are now above pre-Covid levels.
The recent CSO Census data shows that, while levels of transport demand are up on 2016 levels, we are seeing encouraging changes in behavioural trends and an appetite for change when the right type of investments and decisions are made at local and national level.
Given its operational responsibility in relation to the decarbonisation of public transport; the achievements to date in this regard; the projections for the future, including timelines, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
