Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome today's debate on transport. It is a hugely importantly topic. The recent capacity issues at Dublin Airport demonstrate yet again the need for a national aviation policy. What happened to people left stranded was outrageous. We need an all-Ireland approach to aviation as distinct from a Dublin Airport-centric policy. The sooner we have that debate the better.

I come from a rural constituency, Mayo. A majority of people living there are reliant on private cars. We do not have the frequency of public transport to accommodate people's need to travel to local towns and villages. Even though Mayo Local Link is making huge strides, it will be some time before we have the frequency of public transport necessary for a reliable rural service. The Government should introduce an enhanced grant scheme for electric vehicles for those living in rural Ireland. Providing people in rural Ireland with better incentives to switch to EVs makes sense not just for individual purchasers but also for the State as we strive to reduce transport emissions by 51% by 2030. If the Government is serious about getting as many petrol and diesel cars off the road as quickly as possible, it must introduce an enhanced grant scheme in tandem with increased investment in public transport connectivity and EV charging points in rural communities throughout the country.

While Government policy is to encourage people to take public transport, many small towns and rural parts of Ireland have not yet seen the signs of a bus stop, never mind a bus shelter. That needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. The roll-out of bus shelters needs to be addressed. It is to be hoped a plan will come soon.

As for rail, overcrowding on the Iarnród Éireann Westport route is causing huge concern during peak time on trains out of Heuston Station. It is certainly a deterrent to commuters, students and professionals. Additional investment is urgently needed to provide additional carriages in order to address the issue.

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