Sir, – The reduction in excise duty on fuel is evidence, if we needed it, that politicians are not the natural leaders in our effort to bring global warming under control. Colleagues travelling to work yesterday morning at rush hour from Dún Laoghaire and Leopardstown to Dublin city centre, on the Dart and Luas respectively, reported only average numbers of passengers on both modes of transport which means that the price of fuel is not deterring indiscriminate use of the private car. Many of the so-called pressed consumers are not pressed at all. By all means a rebate for commercial drivers but we should be increasing even further the cost of fuel for private car users and spending the money on public transport, which has been woefully neglected for years. – Yours, etc,
DERMOT FOLEY,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – The war in Ukraine has exacerbated the fuel crisis in Ireland, and further highlighted the need to transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system, which is less reliant on international energy markets. The importance of wind energy and other renewables has been central to recent discussions; however, I am surprised not to hear more about the potential for other sources of energy which could be used in our transport system, particularly haulage. The rollout of vehicles which use alternative fuels such as renewable gases and hydrogen, along with related fuelling infrastructure, needs to be prioritised as a matter of urgency by the Government. Even in a best-case scenario where this conflict ends quickly and fuel prices return to more affordable levels, Ireland needs to be prepared for the next unforeseen event by ensuring that as much of its energy for all sectors comes from reliable and clean sources. While a change now would be better late than never, it is important that the switch does start now. – Yours, etc,
NIALL FITZGERALD,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.