Irish policy on CO 2 abatement, including CO 2 emissions from transport, has been set out in the report Ireland — Climate Change (PL 9884, June 1993) and in the communication under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (October 1994). Copies of both publications are available in the Oireachtas Library.
The current overall abatement objective is to limit Irish CO 2 emissions in the year 2000 to an increase of 20 per cent on the 1990 level. Latest emissions data demonstrate this target to be attainable, with 1994 CO 2 emissions showing an increase of 6.8 per cent on 1990.
Irish CO 2 emissions from transport are projected to increase by some 24 per cent between 1990 and the year 2000. National policy recognises transport as a significant source of CO 2 emissions and that measures in this area will play a key role in containing overall emissions. Important measures in this context include:
—implementation of the Dublin Transportation Initative,
—improvement of public transport infrastructure,
—extension of vehicle testing requirements, and
—support by Ireland for EU measures to reduce CO 2 emissions from vehicles.
Under the Operational Programme for Transport, 25 per cent of total investment will be directed at the improvement of public transport infrastructure. Particular emphasis is being placed on the improvement of public transport in the greater Dublin area as the largest urban centre and the area offering the greatest potential for alternatives to road-based transport. As compared with a do minimum approach, implementation of the DTI recommended strategy is projected to secure a 5 per cent reduction in CO 2 emissions by 2001 and an 11 per cent reduction by 2011. The forthcoming national sustainable development strategy will address sustainable transport in the context of providing a framework of objectives and policies for achieving sustainability in Ireland.
