The National Transport Authority should add 15 new LUAS lines nationwide by 2040, according to Labour's new transport plan.

Party transport spokesperson and candidate for Finglas East Duncan Smith told Newstalk Breakfast that lines would be added in three major cities.

“They're going [into] all our big cities – Cork, Galway, Limerick and increased provision across Dublin,” he said.

“We need ambition in transport – we need high capacity, high frequency transport solutions.

“All our transport infrastructure across the country – the population of which has exceeded 5 million – is under pressure.”

Luas trams. Image Emma Tyrrell Newstalk

Mr Smith fired back at accusations from the Green Party, who have said Labour passed a ‘toothless’ climate bill when last in Government.

“The Green Party have gone on an attack against the Labour Party over the last few days, I think feeling threatened by what they're hearing on the doors,” he said.

"I think it's a shame – I think ourselves and the Green Party, when it comes to public transport, have a lot more in common than we do in contrast.

“We've been very clear – our ambition is matched by our funding models."

Metrolink

The party sees Metrolink as “the most important [public transport project] in the history of the state”, according to Mr Smith.

“I've been in touch with Transport and Infrastructure Ireland regularly – I've had them in the Transport Committee in the last Oireachtas,” he said.

“They said that they have every document ready to go once it's given planning permission.

“So, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and even the Greens are quite watered in their commitment in relation to Metrolink, and we have it as a flagship priority project.”

Labour has also called for the introduction of a six-month trial of €9 travel tickets, as well as free travel for everyone under the age of 26.

Mr Smith said this would reduce the cost of living for those who regularly use public transport, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions.