Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Reduction of Carbon Emissions of 51% by 2030: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Brian LeddinBrian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In March, this committee heard that Scotland was introducing a 30% vehicle kilometre reduction target. It is probably inevitable that something like that will come in here too. There seems to be agreement among members and witnesses that it has to be a priority. Separate to setting a target, whether 20% or 30%, what measures would be required to achieve a reduction in vehicle kilometres?

I have some ideas. In our urban areas, we need to make it less easy to drive around and then we will get a natural reduction in the kilometres driven. Perhaps our witnesses could speak about the role of advertising in driving behavioural change. I am not aware but perhaps Mr. Cazzola is aware of advertising campaigns in Europe that are innovative and push behavioural change in order that we get that transition to EVs, bikes, walking, public transport or whatever it is. Finally, the witnesses might comment on the role of parking charges. It is related to the vehicle kilometre reduction approach. I expect that parking charges must be a part of that. If it is more expensive to park your car in the town or city, you will think twice about driving in. I am interested to hear the witnesses' comments on those points.

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