In order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy has been outlined in the soon-to-be-published National Mitigation Plan.
As the Deputy may know, I have strongly made the case for increased investment in the transport sector - with particular reference to public transport. Taking steps to reduce our national reliance on the private car, switching to public and sustainable transport modes and transitioning to alternative fuels and technologies will be essential if we are to decarbonise the transport sector and work towards meeting our 2020 EU sectoral targets.
For each of the transport elements of the Midterm Capital Review, an assessment was completed by my Department's Economic and Financial Evaluation Unit (EFEU) of the implications of that proposal for meeting Ireland's climate and energy obligations. This assessment was a high-level analysis based on the expected overall emissions impact of that proposal. Where a full Business Case had been developed for a proposal, the assessment included the forecast emissions impact of that proposal, as set out in the Business Case.
Enabling Ireland's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, in line with national policy and with our international obligations, will remain a priority for my Department.
