Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I agree with the Tánaiste that the target is difficult in that we will need to reduce our emissions, which are 25% above the target level. There is a 2% annual increase in emissions despite the need for a 3% to 4% reduction. I agreed with the Tánaiste's comments on maintaining the national development plan's investment spending, but why has the Government announced later dates for the implementation of public transport projects when the largest portion of emission increases comes from increased car ownership? Our country has little public transport in that there are not enough buses or trains. As the Tánaiste moves into his new role as Taoiseach, does he propose to put serious emphasis on public transport? His colleague has set back by years the dates for the delivery of the bulk of Transport 21.

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