Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
83. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to roll-out trucksuitable hydrogen refuelling stations in Ireland as part of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29951/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport his plans to support hauliers in Ireland to transition to hydrogen fuel cell trucks including provision of necessary infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29952/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
The National policy framework for alternative fuels infrastructure for transport in Ireland 2017-2030 acknowledges the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure capability in Ireland coupled with low numbers of compatible vehicles appropriate for use in the Irish Market.
The Climate Action Plan 2019, currently being reviewed for 2021, recognises Hydrogen as a future technology with potential to play a role in the decarbonising of transport, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy-duty land transport.
I am aware of the challenge for the Irish road transport sector of the transition from fossil fuels to alternative fuels, particularly in relation to vehicle costs. I recently launched the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme to assist commercial road transport operators and companies across the State to transition to alternative-fuelled vehicles.
In furthering consideration of these matters, officials of my Department participate on an inter-departmental working group on hydrogen which considers all aspects of hydrogen including transport. My Department is also continuing to engage with industry-led hydrogen for transport initiatives, including possibilities to foster the development of an indigenous Irish market for hydrogen across the transport sectors.
The European Union is this year engaging in a revision of the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive. Subject to developments at a European level my Department is also keeping under review the future development of national alternative fuel transport networks, including hydrogen, that will support Ireland in reaching its ambitious 2030 decarbonisation targets and its goal of net zero carbon by 2050.
