Time for less talk and more action from FG on climate change

Labour TD for Fingal, Brendan Ryan, has called for prioritisation of public transport routes in North County Dublin. Following the publication of government environmental action plan this week, Deputy Ryan has said it is time for “less talk, and more action” on climate change.

Deputy Ryan said:

“The publication of the government’s plan on climate change is welcome, albeit after three years it seems as though Fine Gael are arriving a bit late to table on this issue. 

“We in Labour have been advocated for practical measures such as bottle return schemes, investment in public transport, and publishing legislation on microplastics, for the last three years.  Meanwhile, Fine Gael have been promising changes which have yet to be delivered. 

“Minister Bruton said he wants to get people out of their cars and onto public transport. If he wants that, his government need to start investing in transport. 

“In Fingal, we desperately need increased capacity on commuter routes. Early morning and evening commuter trains are dangerously overcrowded. Areas such as Rush, Lusk and Balbriggan need greater frequency and more carriages. 

“Not alone do we need more trains but we need to move away from diesel trains. Electriciafaction of commuter routes has been long promised yet never delivered. Yet we are not asking the government to reinvent the wheel. The DART is a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel trains and we have had this option for decades. 

“As is true in all of Dublin, Fingal is also in need of better cycle route provision. Safely delineated cycle lanes are essential. Many people would like to leave the car at home and get on the bike but cyclist does not feel safe enough to do so.

“Fine Gael know what needs to be done. It is time for less talk and more action on climate change.”