Micheál Martin
Question:275. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51139/18]
View answerWednesday, 5 December 2018
Questions (275)
Written answers
My Department and its agencies are actively engaged in the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy; indeed an increase in energy efficiency of 12.3% was recorded for my Department to the end of 2017. To achieve this energy saving a number of efficiency measures have been implemented including: consolidating from three buildings to one thus reducing maintenance energy costs; hosting of an “Energy Awareness Day” for all staff; and replacing of all of the lights in the Leeson Lane building with energy saving LED lights. Furthermore, in 2018 new waste management initiatives have also been introduced which take account of the segregation of all waste and the introduction of recyclable, food and glass waste bins and stations. It is also proposed to remove all non-recyclable cups by the end of January 2019. Significant energy saving measures within my Department’s IT systems have also been implemented such as automatic shutdown of PCs and introducing a range of print management solutions.
In relation to reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector, as the Deputy is aware, reducing carbon emissions is a national challenge and requires concerted action across all sectors. The transport sector has a vital role to play in the national mitigation effort. To address this challenge, we are strongly pursuing emission reductions and energy efficiencies in transport across four key strands.
Firstly, we are increasing investment in public and sustainable transport to support modal shift and accommodate growing travel demand. An efficient public transport sector is a key priority in meeting our climate change goals. The National Development Plan has committed €8.6 billion to public transport over the 10 year period from 2018 to 2027.
Secondly, we are encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels. In the 'National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland' Ireland’s ambition that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold would be zero-emission capable was clearly outlined. To support this ambition, as well as a Programme for Partnership Government commitment, an interdepartmental Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce was jointly convened by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider a range of measures and options to accelerate the deployment of low carbon technologies. In addition, under the National Development Plan Ireland has committed to stop buying diesel-only buses for the urban bus fleet from July 2019. To better inform future bus purchasing decisions, my Department is currently undertaking trials on alternatively fuelled buses.
Thirdly, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme plays a major role in decarbonising the road transport sector in Ireland. The penetration of biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years from a share of 4% in 2010 to 8% (by volume) from 2017. It is intended that the Biofuel Obligation Scheme will be incrementally increased on a sustainable basis to help meet the renewable transport target of 10% by 2020 as set under the Renewable Energy Directive.
Finally, an important role will be played by the introduction of more efficient standards for vehicles. Ireland continues to push strongly for better EU vehicle standards, seeking greater ambition in regulations that ensure vehicles registered in Europe, including cars, vans and heavy duty vehicles, are increasingly more efficient and less emitting. It is through better technology and improved efficiency that vehicle emissions can be decoupled from increased economic activity and population growth.
My Department will continue to actively work with other Departments and Agencies to research and develop new measures on a whole of Government and least-cost basis to advance Ireland's decarbonisation and energy efficiency policy pathways.