Leo: We won't have congestion charges

Taoiseach rules out move in the lifetime of Govt

- LOUISE BURNE

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has ruled out the introduction of congestion charges in the lifetime of this Government. 

It comes after Transport Minister Eamon Ryan brought a Memorandum of Information to Cabinet on the development of a new National Demand Management Strategy.

This aims to reduce congestion in towns and cities, improve air quality and provide more and safer space for public transport, walking and cycling.

The overarching longer-term aim of the strategy is to support a 20% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled by 2030.

Aspects such as road space reallocation, car-free zones and user charging will only be effective and equitable when alternative, public transport options are readily available, both in urban and rural areas.