THE SDLP’S Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the Infrastructure Minister’s new £66 million programme for 145 zero and low emission buses as a key step towards achieving Green Recovery.
Some of the new fleet of green buses will be used for Foyle Metro services.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I am very pleased at the announcement from SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon of the procurement of zero emission buses, including for Foyle Metro services in Derry.
“This is a really positive move, which is an illustration of my party’s commitment to tackle both air pollution and climate change.
“Shifting our energy use away from carbon and particulate emitting sources is extremely important for the welfare of our people and the welfare of our planet. It is another example of our minister putting our principles into action.”
She added: “Derry has alarmingly high levels of air pollution and just this weekend we saw Rosemount breach WHO safe limits for both PM2.5 and PM10.
“Investment in greener public transport will certainly help reduce the very damaging pollutants that are causing serious health problems for constituents.
“Now we need the Environment Minister to take similarly decisive action and introduce a Clean Air Strategy that sets legally binding limits on air pollution and improves the wellbeing of our citizens.”
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