Green MEPs Cuffe, O’Sullivan Welcome Re-opening of Inter-County Travel and Increased Capacity on Public TransportAs new public health measures come into force today, with the re-opening of inter-county travel, and capacity on public transport increased, Green Party MEPs have welcomed today’s steps towards the re-opening of the country.Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party MEP for Dublin and Member of the TRAN (transport and tourism) Committee in the European Parliament said: “As the vaccine rollout continues, it is welcome news that public transport is increasing from 25% to 50% capacity. We urge people to travel off-peak if they can, and to observe Covid-19 precautions. I am pleased that more scheduled services are resuming on both city and rural routes. As the country slowly re-opens, and the weather improves, we’re all looking forward to meeting family and friends again where it is safe to do so”.Grace O’Sullivan, Green MEP for Ireland South and member of the ENVI (environment, food safety and public health) Committee in the European Parliament, also welcomed the news: “As we cautiously move out of the trauma of a national and global health crisis, and as health advice indicates it is safe to do so, the time is right to start easing back into using public transport.“With transport providers briefed and equipped to adhere to rigorous public health standards, a sensible roll-out in line with the latest health advice, means that people who need to get to areas of work that can’t be undertaken from home, can do so in a safe and environmentally prudent way. I would, however, encourage people to act cautiously and follow the HSE for latest advice.”ENDSIssued 10.5.21