Workers’ Party representative David Gardiner has criticised South Dublin councillors for voting against a motion that would support Ireland banning the use of private jets.

Gardiner said: “I’m disappointed to see that South Dublin councillors, including most of those representing Palmerstown-Fonthill, failed to back the motion.”

“While working people are being asked to cut back on energy for both environmental and economic reasons, the likes of Elon Musk and the super rich are jetting off around the globe for fun. Why should this be the case? It seems fairly reasonable to send a statement against that.”

“Unfortunately, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and a number of independents couldn’t bring themselves to support that sentiment.”

“The argument from some that this would mean supporting a ban on virtually all non-state-owned aircraft is a moot point. A statement from South Dublin County Council to the Minister of Defence and Minister of Transport would have to be interpreted by the government in the spirit that it was put forward, which is clearly one against waste by the super wealthy jetting regularly around the globe. Common sense could be applied to ensure that things like air ambulances and pilot training would not fall under such a ban.”

“Fair play to Cllr. Liam Sinclair for bringing this motion forward.”