Aontú is calling for a 1/3 cut in public transport prices

Aontú is calling for a 1/3 cut in public transport prices – Tóibín

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has spoken out in the wake of a report by the Environmental Protection Agency that has identified air pollution as the cause of 1,180 premature deaths in the state annually. The EPA’s air quality report for 2018 has found nitrogen dioxide from transport emissions to be a key contributor to early deaths.

An Teachta Tóibín stated:

“The EPA’s findings are stark and worrying, but not surprising. We all know that cities like Dublin are being polluted unsustainably. Mounting traffic congestion is a growing problem. The sad reality is that traffic congestion, and the pollution that it causes, brings about serious health problems and even death.

“It is imperative as a matter of public health policy that swift measures are taken to curtail the levels of private vehicle usage in Dublin city especially. Filling the streets with nitrogen dioxide as par for the course is morally wrong and wholly counter-productive to the clean and efficient functioning of any population centre. Measures to curtail diesel vehicle usage, particularly at peak hours, must happen in tandem with coherent, well-planned and sufficiently funded public transport initiatives.

“In other European countries, like Estonia and Luxembourg, free public transport is available on a universal basis. Other countries, like the Netherlands, have outstanding travel schemes to incentivise greater use of public transport. Aontú is calling for a 1/3 cut in public transport prices as a first step towards cleaning our air, reducing climate change emissions, reducing congestion and making commuting safer. We need to get to a stage in Ireland where public transport is funded as a fully laudable investment with many positive returns.

“In Ireland, investment in public transport has for too long been done with a sense of grudging and great reluctance. Not only would a shift away from overreliance on private car usage in cities be a positive step for the environment, importantly it would save lives and lessen the grave health complications from which citizens are suffering.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.