Greens set their red line…. on the red line

The Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman and Dublin South Central candidate Patrick Costello today boarded the Red Line to set out their red line in future Government coalition negotiations.

Minister Roderic O'Gorman said;

“It’s fitting we board public transport today to say clearly - no more backsliding on transport in Ireland. The Greens in government have prioritised investment in public transport during the last four ½ years with real results - record numbers of journeys, a five-fold increase in Local Link use, reduced fares, free fares for children.

“But we know we can’t go back. For decades, public transport projects have languished in the waiting room. It’s time to get it done, once and for all. The Greens have turned the corner on transport but we need to go much further. The public need a first class service - every time. That’s why we boarded the Luas Red Line today to deliver our red line - we need a commitment from all parties that advancement of the big public transport projects will be an absolute priority for the next government term - to finish the job the Greens have started.

“In times where the economic future may look uncertain, and climate breakdown looms ever larger, we must invest in our transport infrastructure to safeguard jobs and reduce emissions. Only the Greens are proposing the way to do this, and we call on every other party to commit to our level of ambition now before the election."

Patrick Costello, Dublin South Central candidate said: 

“A first-class public transport system in Ireland is finally within our reach, thanks to the work of the Greens in this government. The future prosperity of our people and our ability to attract inward investment relies on us putting the infrastructure in place that supports working families, that allows for people to get to work or school, that enables mobility for everyone. 

“The Greens will invest in capacity but we’ll also focus hard on making big improvements to the experience of public transport users - no more cancelled buses, no more missing carriages, a customer service that is responsive every single time. 

“For us, that clear commitment to advance the transport gamechangers is the deal-maker in this election and that’s the basis we will set out for continued participation in government.”