Environmental Policy.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2004

Wednesday, 5 May 2004

Questions (145, 146)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

140 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the reason he is reluctant to promote the wider use of a low emission fuel such as LPG as a cheaper, cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to petrol in view of Ireland’s obligations to reduce carbon emissions as set out in the Kyoto Protocol; and the details of emissions and by-products, both in production and consumption of different fuels, which support his Department’s stance on the issue. [12774/04]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

141 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the reason no measures are being planned within his Department to encourage petrol vehicle users to convert their vehicles to run on LPG fuel; and if he has current environmental and comparative cost data outlining the advantages versus disadvantages in addressing the cost of conversion, maintenance, servicing and upkeep, and cost of fuel which supports his Department’s reluctance to promote LPG vehicle conversion at present. [12775/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 201 of 31 March 2004, I have no plans for measures to encourage the wider use of LPG in motor vehicles. The national climate change strategy sets out the measures which will be applied across the various economic sectors, including the transport sector, to enable Ireland's climate change commitment arising from the Kyoto Protocol agreement to be met. Lead responsibility for air quality and climate change issues is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.