Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
229. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the policy decisions that he is taking with respect to the tourism sector in relation to regional connectivity by ensuring that incentives for sustainable aviation fuel will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42954/22]
View answerThe link that the Deputy appears to be making between incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and regional connectivity is unclear. Therefore my response focuses on what we are doing to promote regional air connectivity and also the various strands of work that we are pursuing and contributing to in relation to the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The Programme for Government acknowledges the value of aviation in supporting economic development, international connectivity and tourism via all our airports. My Department’s Regional Airports Programme 2021–2025, supports Ireland’s smaller airports i.e., those that provide connectivity and handle fewer than 1 million passengers annually. In addition to targeting funding at safety and security projects and activities, the scope of the new programme has been expanded to encourage airports to reduce emissions and build climate resilience. This programme, with a budget of over €44 million in 2022, takes account of existing policy objectives to help mitigate the impacts of aviation on the environment and to help facilitate the sustainable growth of the sector.
In relation to SAF, it is widely acknowledged that the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is key to decarbonising the aviation sector. The use of SAF is currently at very low levels but there are a number of different strands of work both at national and EU level that are being pursued to improve this position. The proposed EU Regulation commonly referred to as ReFuelEU Aviation is currently being considered by the Council and the Parliament. When adopted the Regulation is expected to impose obligations on fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports in relation to the distribution, use and accessibility of SAF. This will be an important step in sending a signal to the market to stimulate demand. The proposal includes a mandated percentage of SAF to be uplifted, with increasing levels over the period from 2025 to 2050. Smaller airports, below a set passenger and cargo freight threshold, are currently exempt under the proposal but Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports are expected to fall within the scope of the Regulation.
A study is being finalised by my department in relation to the availability and sustainability of renewable transport fuels supply in Ireland, such as biofuels and advanced biofuels, with regard to the ambitious targets for increasing biofuel blending in transport fuel as set out in the Climate Action Plan. This important piece of work, along with development of a Green Hydrogen Strategy, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, will further inform how Ireland positions itself in relation to SAF.
Under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Government has established the Shannon Estuary Economic Task Force. This group will assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary area from an enterprise development and investment perspective, alongside scoping potential opportunities in the region. The Task Force includes a Transport and Logistics sub-group which will explore opportunities for the production and supply of sustainable transport fuels among other matters.
Any questions in relation to tourism policy should be directed to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
