President Michael D Higgins defends his ‘rare’ use of official helicopter
Chairman Michael D Higgins said there must be “a sense of balance” when people talk about his use of the official helicopter.
r Higgins used the helicopter in May to fly from Dublin to Kerry and Ennis to attend events despite often advocating for greater action to tackle climate change.
Asked about the trip, Mr Higgins said he used the helicopter “on rare occasions” for “very good reasons”.
“What you have to do is use your judgement. I certainly don’t know, in any sense, [am] interested in reducing anything related to climate change.
Mr Higgins used the example of a trip to Donegal today to attend a funeral in Creeslough.
“If so – the president is able to attend the funeral in time, shouldn’t I use, shouldn’t I, as I said, on one of the rare occasions when I would travel [using the helicopter] be there on time and meet the families?
He cut short his trip to Strasbourg to attend the funerals in Donegal of those killed in last Friday’s tragedy.
“That’s why I’m coming home, I’m coming home to express my solidarity and compassion for the people of Donegal.
“And the way I get there won’t be on an unnecessary basis, it will be done in the best way possible to ensure that I’m able to meet the bereaved.”
A spokesperson for Mr Higgins said carbon budgets were already in place for the president’s office, with a contribution made to the Climate Action Fund each year.
This amount is calculated using the International Travel Carbon Calculator and for travel beyond 2022 the carbon tax level is €41 per ton.