The Taoiseach told the Dail that the government will not impose a congestion fee.
It comes after Transport Secretary Eamonn Ryan prepared to seek Cabinet approval this morning to develop a plan to reduce traffic congestion in cities.
The National Demand Management Strategy will likely explore ways to allocate more street space for walking and cycling as part of efforts to improve air quality, reports RTE.
The strategy is an important part of the government’s climate action plan and will include extensive public consultation.
It is expected that there will likely be more car-free zones and the possibility of introducing a charge for driving in some areas.
Mr Ryan is likely to focus on what he describes as the benefits to people of freeing up the streets and public spaces, reports RTE.
However, Mr Ryan was quick to stress to his colleagues that changes would work best when there is public transport and active travel options nearby.
Leo Varadkar told the Chamber this afternoon that “erhaps at some point down the line, when the metro is picking up people in Dublin Airport” when other infrastructure projects are underway and when “all vehicles are electric” it might be considered, reports RTE.
“There is no proposal from this Government to introduce congestion charges”, he said, reports RTE.
He replied to Mick Barry, Solidarity-PBP TD.
Separately, Children’s Secretary Roderick O’Gorman was due to bring the Child Care Amendment Act’s broad plan to Cabinet.
The legislation aims to strengthen the Child Care Act 1991, which regulates child protection and the care of children.
The proposed changes include a new section on guiding principles for the law, with the best interests of the child being the paramount principle.
It will impose a duty on government agencies and bodies to cooperate with Tusla in relation to the welfare and protection of children.
The legislation also proposes expanded enforcement powers for the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate over childcare services, reports RTE.
This will allow for better information sharing with parents and will introduce an “fit person” ordinance to authorize Tusla to assess the eligibility of an individual applying to be a Registered Vendor.
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