Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
21. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate to allow local authorities to restrict the movement of high emission vehicles in urban centres to reduce air pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32781/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, I have no plans to regulate for the restriction of high emission vehicles in urban centres. However, I do understand the Deputy's concerns in relation to air pollution. I am conscious of the need to transition Ireland's fleet to cleaner and greener technologies and my position on this is reflected in a draft national policy framework on alternative fuels infrastructure that my Department launched last week for public consultation.
In relation to traffic management in urban centres more generally, the National Transport Authority works closely with the relevant local authorities in Ireland's cities to give priority to active modes of travel such as walking and cycling as well as public transport services. For instance, the implementation of the proposals set out in the Dublin City Centre Transport Study will greatly benefit accessibility and movement in the capital. Similarly, Cork City Council recently approved the implementation of the City Centre Movement Strategy. By giving priority to active travel modes and by greening the public transport services that operate in urban centres, direct benefits will be achieved in air quality.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Partnership Government committed to establishing a dedicated Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) Task force. A key objective for this group is to present a range of measures and incentive options to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of EVs. Greater penetration of EVs in the Irish market would assist Ireland in meeting emissions reduction, energy efficiency and air quality targets as well as achieving 10% renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020. As policy in relation to EVs rests with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, his Department is working closely with mine to establish the Task force in the coming weeks.
