Shannon Chamber claims making public transport free to mitigate rising fuel costs wouldn’t have the desired effect in Clare where commuting by bus and rail isn’t always a “viable option”.
Clare’s MEP has proposed implementing the measure as a means of making transport routes more attractive to struggling workers.
The call for free public transport comes as the International Monetary Fund is warning “all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth nationwide” should the conflict in the Middle East continue.
A 2023 Ernst and Young report commissioned by the National Transport Authority determined that making buses, trains and trams free here would cost up to €275 million.
The European Commission has suggested citizens work from home where they can and drive less, but Tánaiste Simon Harris insists no work from home mandates will be imposed yet.
Scariff-based Independent MEP Michael McNamara believes workers should be assisted rather than penalised as fuel prices soar.
Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes says while the call is well-intentioned, it wouldn’t have a significant impact in this county.
The Taoiseach, meanwhile, is urging people to use energy “as wisely as possible”, warning the supply shock could be “the worst ever” experienced here.
With the leaders of the US, UK and Australia addressing their respective populations today, Micheál Martin isn’t ruling out a State of the Nation speech in the coming days.
Listen to the full interview here
