Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I respect the Deputy a lot and I am sure she would not wish to misrepresent me in any way. However, I will say again what I said but this time in a way that is clearer. I welcome last week’s declaration of a climate emergency by the Dáil. It is symbolic in the sense that it does not in itself do anything to reduce emissions and does not give us any tools, powers or resources to achieve what needs to be done when it comes to climate action. However, symbols are important. It is important we follow up on those symbols with real action. That is what we will see in the Minister’s all-of-Government climate action plan when it is published.

Up to €200 million has been set aside for BusConnects for Galway city which will significantly improve bus services there, as well as cycling facilities. Several greenways are being developed such as those in Moycullen and Oranmore.

The case for light rail is stronger in Cork than it is in Galway but I certainly would not rule it out. We know one needs a certain population density for light rail to be viable. It may be worthy of consideration in the future, however.

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