Laois backing for €9 unlimited public transport ticket

The Labour Party in Laois has called for a €9 public transport ticket to aid climate action 

Backing his party's appeal, Labour's Local Area Representative Bryan Corrigan urged the Government to take on board €9 public transport ticket to encourage more people onto public transport and take cars off the road.

The party's Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory representative explained the proposal in a statement. 

“According to Eurostat, Ireland had the largest increase in emissions in the EU last year, one of just four countries to increase emissions annually. Radical change is needed to achieve our necessary emissions reduction targets, and to build an Ireland that works.

“We are all horrified by the scenes unfolding throughout Europe with scorching temperatures and ravaging wildfires. The climate crisis is happening as we speak. 

“Labour is proposing one method of reducing Ireland’s emissions and helping people in Laois make the change from car to public transport. The introduction of a monthly climate ticket with unlimited travel could get people out of their cars and onto trains, buses, and trams, just like the trial carried out in Germany last year. Tackling the transport trap in Ireland would be a welcome step in the right direction. 

“If we are serious about achieving our net zero targets, we need carrots, not just sticks. We need to see leadership from the Dáil. We estimate that the carbon emissions savings of such a policy would be equivalent to removing 23,000 cars off our roads. It’s time this Government was brave enough to take radical steps towards a cleaner future,” said Mr Corrigan.

Green light for public Laois Carlow bus service to help students as driver shortage addressed

Bus Éireann intercity serves do not serve Laois but here are a number of local bus services in the county mainly run under Transport for Ireland. Intercity private bus services are also subsidised.

There are three busy train stations in Laois in Portlaoise, Portarlington and Ballybrophy.