Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to request a debate in this Chamber on the future of sustainable transport in Ireland. As bus gates are introduced along Dublin's quays, more streets become pedestrianised and more people live further away from their work, consciousness of cost arises. We need to imagine a transport system that is fit for all. We know Ireland is ranked as one of the highest EU emitters per capita. We heard all the figures this morning. As part of our climate action plan, this would also be a welcome help. In calling for this debate, I think sustainable transport should include VAT reductions on electric bicycles and car rentals, waiving tolls off peak and a reduction in bus fares. This co-ordinated plan with all these different streams of travel would certainly be a help and make it more possible for people to get to work without the use of cars. It could also culminate in a tax-free shared mobility allowance akin to the bike to work scheme. If we could introduce something like that for people for whom the bike to work scheme is not practical, it would be useful.