Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
631. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that the transport sector achieves its 2020 emissions reductions targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14614/16]
View answerIn order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy is being developed. My Department is working closely with the new Department of Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources (DCCCNR), the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture to prepare this National Mitigation Plan.
The Plan will reflect the overall aims of the National Policy Position on climate action and low carbon development, published in April 2014 which envisages that its development will be guided by a long-term vision of low carbon transition. Specific focus is being placed on the sectorial areas of electricity generation, the built environment, agriculture and transport. The responsibility for emissions reduction is, of course, a collective one and Ireland's 2020 emission reduction targets are national and not sectorial in nature. When all sectorial inputs have been co-ordinated, the draft mitigation plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.
Transport will of course have to play a significant role on the national mitigation effort. The measures under consideration for transport will be wide-ranging and will focus on modal shift, movement to alternative fuels and targeted behavioural change. To date, considerable progress has been achieved through measures aimed at promoting improved technologies and changing travel behaviour.
To better inform and contextualise the preparation of the transport sectorial elements of the Plan and contribute to key policy considerations within the transport sector, my Department undertook a wide-ranging consultation exercise early in 2014. Work is well underway on developing various measures considered therein and proposed in responses with a view to agreeing a cross sectorial approach that prioritises the steps to be taken.
See the link for details.
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