Copter on Michael D

Higgins said we should lead on climate.. before flying to Kerry

- FERGHAL BLANEY

• Two hours flying time in May costing the taxpayer €3,990 per hour

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins urged the State to “lead by example” on climate action weeks before using the official helicopter for trips that could have been taken by car.

The Irish Mirror has learned he also used the aircraft to speak at a union conference in 2018 – with the presidential car dispatched from Dublin to Kerry to meet him there.

Mr Higgins cost the taxpayer €8,000 – plus carbon emissions – by using the Agusta AW139 chopper to attend functions in Kenmare, Co Kerry and Ennis, Co Clare, on May 27 and 28.

In his speech to DCU students in earlier that month, the President added leaders must “lead” in order to be “credible” and bring people along on environmental action.