Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1256. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the new nitrogen oxide emissions test will be introduced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA significant contributor to the rise in NOx emissions in recent years throughout the EU has been the higher than expected emissions from the new fleet of road vehicles, particularly diesel vehicles. Over time, discrepancies have come to light between the emissions recorded from vehicles during emissions testing and ‘real’ driving. The European Commission has introduced revisions to the test cycle to be more representative of emissions from the real-world driving experience (RDE). Ireland fully supports this approach and its early implementation. The EU position in this area is managed by the Technical Committee - Motor Vehicles. The Road Safety Authority, which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is the agency attending that committee's meetings on behalf of Ireland. From 1 September 2017, the new RDE tests will be compulsory to determine whether a new car model is allowed to be put on the market. I am, of course, conscious of the links across different policy sectors. With this in mind, my Department recently undertook a public consultation on Ireland's first ever national Clean Air Strategy. The strategy will provide a framework for a formal set of cross-Government policies and actions to reduce harmful emissions from all sources, including transport, thereby improving our air quality and public health. I look forward to engaging with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and his Department, through the strategy formulation process, to identify all practical means of reducing emissions from the transport sector.
