MCGLONE REDUCES HIS CARBON FOOTPRINT

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has reduced his carbon footprint by buying a low-carbon emission car.

Mr McGlone, chair of the Stormont Environment Committee, received the keys to his new Volkswagen BlueMotion Passat from Terence Donnelly, proprietor of Donnelly Motors, at Stormont on Tuesday.

A BlueMotion vehicle is extremely energy efficient and reduces the carbon emission of its engine as well as harnessing energy saving techniques from its design.

Mr McGlone said: “I decided to buy a BlueMotion vehicle because I became aware of the low CO2 emissions from its engines. As an MLA, I spend a lot of time travelling between my constituency in Mid Ulster and Stormont.

“As chair of the Environment Committee it’s my duty to set a good example and I also get great peace-of-mind from reducing my carbon footprint.

“Many people have to commute, sometimes long distances, for whatever reason, but there are options for them to offset their own carbon footprint. My BlueMotion car is just one of those options, but I feel if everybody makes that extra effort to reduce their CO2 emissions, then the quality of our environment will duly benefit.”

Mr Donnelly said: “I’m delighted Mr McGlone has decided to invest in the BlueMotion car, not only will he see the benefits on the roads but also to the environment.”