Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I see this as a major opportunity. I want the Irish people and Government to play a role in responding. The Deputy can always point, very legitimately, to areas in which we could make improvements and operate differently, but alongside that, let us recognise what is contained in Ireland 2040, the national development plan. There is a commitment to retrofitting 45,000 homes each year and delivering energy upgrades to all public buildings and a minimum of one third of commercial buildings. At least half a million electric vehicles are to be introduced by 2030. The plan also refers to transitioning to a low-emission urban public bus fleet, with no diesel buses being purchased from 1 July. From 2030 onwards, fossil fuel cars will not be allowed to be sold in Ireland.

From 2045 no national car test, NCT, certificates will be issued for these cars. I am in the final stages of agreeing with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, a new climate action fund to be established that will have an allocation of €500,000. Maybe the particular matters referred to by the Deputy could be funded through this plan. That is in addition to the very comprehensive public transport plan contained in Project Ireland 2040.

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