Climate targets must remain central to the work under the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, a Labour spokesperson has said.

Deputy Ivana Bacik delivered a submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA), calling for all transport policy and strategy planning to be carried out with a focus on the climate emergency.

"Transport is responsible for a fifth of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions," said Deputy Bacik. "Investment in active travel and public transport measures is key to addressing this issue by reducing our dependence on private transport and single occupancy cars. More ambition is required within the Strategy to enable the development of a truly sustainable city, in which civic spaces like College Green in the South City Centre are pedestrianised, enhanced and improved, with far greater provision for cycling and for walking throughout the Greater Dublin Area.

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"The goal of transport policy in the City must be to reduce the dominance of the private car. Measures taken with this goal in mind will make the city a greatly more attractive environment in which to live, work and travel for all households and all residents, adults and children alike. Transport policy for the Greater Dublin Area must reaffirm the need for greater investment in cycling infrastructure, pedestrianisation of civic spaces, and public transport; with the overall goal of reducing reliance on private cars and creating a more sustainable City for us all."