Speaking at a strategy meeting for the Green Party, he acknowledged that the problems created by the current financial situation were unprecedented and he emphasised the importance of continued support for the neediest.
“We have to protect the most vulnerable in society but also we have to ensure that major environmental infrastructural projects continue,” he said, the Irish Times reports.
He urged public transport to be given a bigger priority than road building, though he said that some major motorway works should be finished.
“We have to ensure that we get the balance right so that the ratio between public transport and roadways is kept intact and that public transport is given priority,” he said.
Mr Gormley also said that Ireland would have a tougher time meeting carbon emissions standards agreed to in the Kyoto protocol than originally expected.