Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1292. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the priority he attaches to reversing the trend of dieselisation of road transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20284/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe trend of dieselisation of road transport is a concern to me, and to Governments all around Europe, as road transport, and diesel in particular, is a significant source of harmful emissions. Emissions from transport, including particulate emissions, can have a detrimental impact on both environmental ecosystems and human health. Inhalation of Particulate Matter (PM) can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.
A 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.
Given the nature of both auto manufacture and the EU’s single market, a co-ordinated European response across all Member States is necessary. The regulatory shortcomings highlighted by this issue are being addressed at EU level through the adoption of a revised emissions test cycle, that incorporates elements of real world driving. Ireland fully supports this approach and its early implementation.
At a national level, in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are co-chairing a Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Task Force involving relevant Government Departments and agencies. The work of the task force has been divided into two phases, with the first phase focusing solely on electric vehicles. The Task Force expects to report on an interim basis to Government on the first phase by June 2017, with associated recommendations. These recommendations will suggest a range of options for facilitating greater uptake of EVs in the coming years.
My Department has also commenced work on the first ever National Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities. The Clean Air Strategy will address priority air pollutants in Ireland, including diesel emissions, in an integrated manner. A public consultation on the strategy closed last week.
