Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked about the LIFE programme which is tied with issues concerning the EU budget. I had expected to be able to assure the committee that the programme would be progressed during our Presidency, but I cannot do so, as the budget has not been agreed. I hope it will be agreed to in February. This important programme is a sizable issue for many member states, although there are not many LIFE projects in Ireland currently. Perhaps the next programme will offer us better prospects. There is a successful project in the Burren in County Clare. There is a great deal of potential for the programme in the Deputy's constituency, particularly where boglands are no longer in operation for turf cutting on a commercial basis. The biodiversity agenda could be exploited in the midlands more than has been the case to date.

Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked many questions on various matters. As part of our climate change emissions agenda, we are trying to move transport, particularly haulage companies, to using gas, but it will take time. As part of our sectoral plans with Departments, including the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, we expect them to propose on a regular basis initiatives on incentivising the use of gas and low emission fuels in the eyes of our heavy haulage network. We are using financial instruments in this regard. Through motor taxation, for example, we err on the side of helping people to buy cars that are more carbon and technologically efficient. We are also promoting the use of electric cars, in that zero tax will be applied to them.

In the context of the heads of the climate change Bill which I hope will be approved by the Government next week, part of our carbon strategy will put the onus on the Ministers for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Transport, Tourism and Sport, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and so on to table proposals on promoting the use of technology and financial instruments, including those outlined by Deputy Michelle Mulherin, to reduce emissions and meet our national targets.

Fracking is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I would not like to trespass into that area at this time, as the Deputy can understand.

To respond to Deputy Paudie Coffey's questions, I am aware of the project that will bring gas through Bord Gáis to Great Island in County Wexford. An excellent initiative, areas in the south east will now have access to clean fuel, giving them a major competitive advantage. I understand the distance from the pipe network at Great Island to Waterford Port at Belview is only 2 km. It presents an opportunity for Bord Gáis to engage with stakeholders such as Glanbia in a more proactive way than might have been the case to date to ensure clean fuel is available in the context of national policy on reducing emissions and providing the gas and other infrastructure required to expand a facility that, unfortunately, has been lying dormant for too long. We will make representations to Bord Gáis to determine what can be done to prioritise the project in extending the gas network into Waterford Port.