Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister mentioned transport targets, let us talk about transport. Transport emissions increased by 4% in 2015. It is estimated that they may increase by as much as 10% by 2020. That is not surprising when the Government spends twice as much on roads as it does on public transport. That is the plan. Public transport should get a major boost if we are serious about reaching the climate targets. Despite this, we are told that Iarnród Éireann is on the verge of bankruptcy, and both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus receive just a fraction of the subsidy similar companies in other European countries receive. All three of the major public transport companies receive State subsidies that are significantly less than in 2008. There is something that could be done straight away - a major increase in spending on public transport. Will the Minister comment on that?

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