Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

What is the Department doing to support cyclists and walkers? I ask because cyclists and walkers produce zero greenhouse emissions. If we are serious about tackling climate change then something must happen in those areas.

Mr. Doyle mentioned the alternative fuels offer and stated alternative fuel "offers one of the most cost-effective and feasible pathways" to reducing emissions. What is the cost per tonne of CO2 emissions abated by using alternative fuels? As more EVs are deployed, how will the revenue shortfall be recouped? According to the Department of Finance, it is studying this matter but what is under consideration by the two Departments?

What increase in emissions does the NTA foresee in the greater Dublin area, GDA, to 2035? Will it revise the GDA transport strategy in line with national targets for CO2 reduction? Did the Department and the NTA refuse to approve hybrid buses for Dublin in 2014? Why would they have done so? What are they doing now to accelerate approval?

I am frustrated. I listened to Mr. Doyle's presentation but with all due respect, I do not believe we are taking the urgency evident in the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly and applying it to policy to mitigate and adapt to climate change as required.

I have a further question. There are concerns about the effect of sea levels rising on transport infrastructure. For example, the Waterford-Rosslare rail line is constantly under threat of flooding when there are heavy rains. What is the Department doing to address adaptation measures in such circumstances?