Green has always been the colour most richly associated with the Irish – whether it is the country’s beautiful, wide landscapes or the colour of the shamrock. Now, the capital city could be turning green too.
The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) has called for the introduction of congestion charges ranging from €1,000 to €4,500 for motorists commuting into the heart of Dublin along with a carbon tax on fuels in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The report has also called for workplace parking levies, an abolition of VRT and motor tax for electric vehicles and an effort to make all new buildings carbon neutral by 2020.
On the launch of the report Dr Peter Brennan, chairman of the IIEA’s Climate Change Working Group, suggested the changes will have “profound implications” on the Irish economy. The report states that the revenues collected can be used to fund transportation alternatives and have the desired effect. It is expected that the levies will vary dependent on the local market price for parking.
However, the concepts have been criticised by some, including Conor Faughan of the Automobile Association, who suggests congestion charges will do nothing for the environment, act as a disincentive for people to work in the city and that the emphasis is disproportionately placed on private cars.
What do you think of congestion charges in major cities? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
