Vol. 483 No. 5
125 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether the Irish and EU representatives at the forthcoming environmental summit in Kyoto will press for recognition to be given to the role of the bicycle in reducing greenhouse emissions. [20870/97]
The negotiations at the Third Conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are expected to strengthen the convention commitments by, inter alia, adoption of legally binding limitation and reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union will also be seeking commitments in the negotiations on the development at international level of common and co-ordinated policies and measures, including in relation to the transport sector, for the achievement of these targets. In this context, the promotion of cycling will be primarily a matter for national action. The Dublin Transport Initiative final report acknowledges that cycling is an environmental and energy efficient means of transport and gives particular attention to the promotion of cycling. I have asked the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) to prepare a national cycle guidelines manual which will set out all aspects of the design of cycle facilities for use by local authorities and I understand that work on this is at an advanced stage. I also understand that the DTO is in the final stages of the preparation of a co-ordinated cycle route network for the Dublin area.
126 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, the Government will take to improve the air pollution situation in urban areas, particularly the emissions from motor vehicles. [20871/97]
An EU framework directive on ambient air quality was adopted in September 1996. It will be followed by subsidiary directives specifying air quality standards for a number of pollutants. The first such directive will deal with lead, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particular matter. Ireland is supporting the development of these new air quality standards and, in parallel with this process, the EPA is preparing a national air quality monitoring programme.
As regards emissions from motor vehicles the thrust of policies within the EU since 1970 has been, and continues to be, based on vehicle type approval and emissions standards.
Successively more stringent standards for passenger and goods vehicles have been laid down and Ireland continues to comply with all EU vehicle emission control directives. Ireland also continues to support the developing EU auto oil programme as an appropriate means of addressing many of the environmental issues arising from vehicle emissions. The programme will introduce further measures to reduce emissions from vehicles as well as more stringent fuel standards to apply from the year 2000 and later from 2005.
In addition, local measures such as the Dublin Transportation Initiative and traffic management measures elsewhere, the improvement of public transport and the promotion of other alternatives to the private car in major urban areas, and the extension of compulsory vehicle testing will assist in the response to urban traffic increases and associated vehicle emissions. The Government is also committed to extending the ban on bituminous coal to major urban areas. I will be bringing forward proposals for appropriate measures to be implemented in the 1998-99 heating season.
127 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the National Roads Authority is bound to, or has received, a policy directive to work towards reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. [20873/97]
129 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason the Government's Second National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change describes the completion of the Dublin C-Ring motorway as the public transport element of the strategy. [20875/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 129 together.
Government policy in relation to abatement of CO 2 and other greenhouses gas emissions is most recently set out in Ireland's Second National Communication under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, published in July 1997. The communication details a range of policies and measures to limit the growth in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions.
128 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the advice or circulars, if any, which have been sent to local authorities in relation to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. [20874/97.
My Department has not issued advice or circulars to local authorities exclusively related to reducing or limiting emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the following are of relevance: (1) Circular HRT3/96: Energy Conservation in Local Authority Dwellings; (2) Circular BCL 2/95: Energy Conservation in Local Authority Buildings; (3) Value for Money Study No. 7: Energy Conservation in Local Authority Buildings; (4) Value for Money Study No. 10: Public Lighting; (5) Memorandum on Grants for Non-National Roads 1996-99, which includes reference to energy conservation in the lighting of non-national roads. Energy conservation in the lighting of national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority; and (6) Part L of the Building Regulations and accompanying Technical Guidance Document L — Conservation of Fuel and Energy. I intend to amend the Building Regulations and publish revised technical guidance documents next month.
I will be considering the issue of further advice to local authorities having regard to the recommendations of a consultancy study due to be completed shortly on policies and measures to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
130 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the levels of greenhouse gas emissions, if any, which are believed to be due to cement production in Ireland. [20876/97]
I refer the Deputy to page 70 of Ireland's Second National Communication under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which indicates that nonenergy related Co 2 emissions arising from the process of cement production were 750,000 tonnes in 1993. This is equivalent to approximately 2.3 per cent of total national emissions of carbon dioxide, (CO 2) the principal greenhouse gas, in that year. A copy of the communication has been made available to the Oireachtas Library.
