Kildare Senator: 'Unsustainable transport costs must be addressed'

Unsustainable transport costs must be addressed — that's according to one Senator from County Kildare.

Labour Senator Mark Wall today demanded clarity from the government regarding the 20 per cent reduction in transport fares and its actual effectiveness.

The Athy politician said: "We welcomed the announcement from the government that people would see a 20 per cent reduction in transport costs: data from the Central Statistics Office has consistently highlighted the fact that people are being squeezed by transport costs.

"However, there is now a major question mark over the effectiveness of such a cut in fares, given that prices have recently gone up... this 20 per cent reduction will only go some of the way in bridging the gap."

Senator Wall added that his office has been "inundated" with commuters whom he says are barely able to make ends meet, between paying rents or mortgages, food and bills.

Senator Mark Wall, Labour Party

"They had hoped to see some change in their transport outgoings and costs and feel badly let down, (but now) it looks like the government is continuing to just tinker around the edges.

"Everyone is feeling the pinch of the increased cost of living but our young people are particularly exposed... one young student from Newbridge contacted my office saying that due to the recent price increases, she is now paying 68 per cent of her SUSI grant on transport.

"This is simply unsustainable," he added.

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Senator Wall continued: "Indeed, the much-trumpeted Youth Travel Card, which was promised by February, will not be available until much later this year. 

"Transport affordability and access remains a huge issue for students in terms of the cost of living, as well as having a crucial role to play in climate action.

"We need action, not words, from this government," he concluded.

In related news, last week, Senator Mark Wall said that "the time has come" for a ban on gambling ads.

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