The government has come under pressure to introduce a national €9 Climate Ticket to help people make the move to public transport.

Labour is calling for the implementation of a monthly, flat rate €9 climate transport ticket, which will also help Ireland meet emission targets. This request is modelled on a similar scheme which was introduced in Germany.

Speaking about the initiative, Labour transport spokesperson Duncan Smith said: "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.

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"When we look abroad, we see other governments have the courage to be brave when it comes to climate.

"The Labour Government in Wales has taken the radical decision to halt future road building projects due to climate concerns, the French Government is moving to ban short-haul flights where a decent rail alternative is available. State Governments in Australia are turning down mining licences to avoid further damage to the Great Barrier Reef.

"Let's have Ireland stand shoulder to shoulder with other countries and peoples determined to combat the effects of climate change.

"We cannot afford to miss any more of our vital climate targets. Let's be ambitious for ourselves and for our planet. A climate transport ticket would meaningfully take the pressure off of hard pressed households across the country while also representing a radical change in how we approach climate change. This must be a top priority for Minister Ryan when he returns from China."