Transport Minister does not envisage congestion charges in near future

Eamon Ryan. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

Environment and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said that he does not envisage congestion charges being introduced in Ireland in the near future.

On Wednesday, Mr Ryan received Government approval for the draft Moving Together transport strategy, which will go to public consultation in April and contains suggestions for changing the level of demand on roads.

On congestion charges, it says that local authorities would have the discretion and powers to introduce these fees if needed. 

It recommends that a review of existing legislation be undertaken to establish whether amendments or new legislation would be required for creating congestion charging or low emissions zones.

On Thursday, Mr Ryan noted that trying to "price people off the road" would not work.

"I don't think that's the best way to go. It would be very expensive on the motorist," he told Morning Ireland.

"(The plan) does put a lot of choice at the local authorities - it's not forcing things, it's not forcing immediate decision - there is no immediate charge on anything.

"But it does recognise that the current system - because it is so gridlocked in Ireland, we've had a car dependent system for 60/70 years that we've reached the end of the road of that and we do need to change direction."

Mr Ryan said it was important that the plan addresses Ireland's climate targets.

He also noted that an increased focus on public transport services would be needed in order to provide alternatives to the car.

"It does have to mean providing the better, quicker alternative and we're doing that as a Government. Rural bus services are taking off in this country and the public are responding in an incredible way.

"This is not trying to get people out of cars, but it's trying to get a system that works. And in some instances, that would be people driving, that's absolutely fine. But if everyone drives and if everyone's stuck in traffic, it doesn't work for anyone."

He added: “If we can reduce the traffic and give the road space so the bus goes quicker, that works better for everyone. People can switch, which they want to do, onto public transport. You have less cars, less gridlock, less emissions. 

"It's a switch of direction away from ever lengthening commutes, ever longer commutes, towards planning our country, planning our towns and cities so it's easier to get around."