The Government should show some leadership and charge for the Oireachtas car park outside Leinster House, Shane Coleman has said. 

The Cabinet has recently signed off on plans to cut car usage by a fifth by the year 2030 - something that will require a radical shakeup in transport policy and personal choices. 

With this in mind, the Government is examining whether drivers should be charged a fee to use their work car park and the introduction of congestion charges in certain areas. 

EFJ9XM Cars in car park at retail park

The Newstalk Breakfast presenter said that politicians should set an example and charge for the car park they enjoy right in the middle of Dublin. 

“The idea of road pricing and congestion charges, people will be dragged kicking and screaming into that,” he said. 

“But my view is it has to happen; we have to reset, we have to change our mindset. 

“People will say, ‘Easy for [you],’ I live quite close to the city centre.

“I actually think Leinster House should take the lead on this; there’s two car parks front and back. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Newstalk (@newstalkfm)

“Leinster lawn is destroyed by cars and it sends out all the wrong signals. 

“I think if the Government and politicians are serious about setting an example, they should start with the Oireachtas carpark. 

“It is nonsense that you get free car parking… smack bang in the city centre.

“That would be a big sign of leadership from the Government.”

Main image: Split of Leinster House and Shane Coleman.