Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007
19 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Transport if he will commission a study of environmental costs caused by the transport sector with a view to introducing possible measures to reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32924/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra49 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of Sustainable Energy Ireland’s report Energy Efficiency in Ireland, he has plans to introduce new standards for carbon emissions of imported vehicles, measures to encourage the purchase of hybrid or low emissions vehicles or targets to reduce the huge transport carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32807/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra59 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of carbon emissions generated by transport; the target being set for 2008 to reduce carbon emissions from transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29144/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 49 and 50 together.
A number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions relating to transport have been included in the National Climate Change Strategy, published by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government in April 2007. These include rebalancing of motor taxes, Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, modal shift through Transport 21 and the achievement of a 5.75% biofuels blend in fuels by 2010. In all, the transport sector will provide up to 13% in total national emission savings under that Strategy.
I have also announced the preparation of a Sustainable Transport Action Plan, which will support the revised National Climate Change Strategy. This Action Plan will set out a broad suite of policies and measures to help the transport sector progress along a more sustainable trajectory and make a further contribution to reducing emissions to year 2020.
Tackling transport emissions requires a cross-Departmental approach and I am determined to ensure that my Department will continue to play its part in ensuring that the transport sector makes its contribution to the task of controlling national greenhouse gas emissions so that Ireland fulfils its international obligations relating to climate change.
