Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures he intends to bring forward to reduce the level of pollution caused by the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16204/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage both public and private transport towards compliance with Kyoto principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16575/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 337 together.

I share the concern of both Deputies about reducing the environmental impact of transport. However transport emissions must be considered in the context of the sector's pivotal role in supporting economic prosperity, regional development and social inclusion. Growth in transport emissions is driven by strong transport demand associated with our sustained economic growth. In the context of strong population and household growth, high employment rates and increased passenger and freight movements, reducing or slowing the growth of transport emissions represents a considerable challenge.

In recognition of this challenge, my Department identified sustainability as a key objective in the Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 and is seeking to incorporate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability into the development and delivery of transport policy.

Transport 21 points the way forward. It provides for total capital funding of over €34 billion in transport over the next ten years, and represents a major rebalancing of investment in favour of public transport, which will facilitate modal shift to public transport. It will see public transport capacity in the Greater Dublin Area almost double over the period of this investment programme. A substantial portion of the Dublin suburban rail network will be electrified. It will also see major investment in the national rail network, with improved and more frequent mainline rail services and the development of the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork suburban rail network. There will also be significant investment in regional and local bus services.

Transport 21 also provides funding for a range of sustainable transport initiatives. The purpose of these initiatives is to facilitate the mainstreaming of sustainability criteria into transport investment decision-making and to make cleaner, more environmentally-friendly vehicles available, embracing public transport, the haulage industry and taxis. These initiatives include pilot projects for biofuel and hybrid-electric technologies, and eco-driving. My Department is engaging with the relevant sectors to progress these initiatives.

Emission reductions from the new vehicle fleet can be achieved through vehicle efficiency improvements undertaken by vehicle manufacturers and Ireland supports the EU Voluntary Agreements negotiated between the Commission and the motor industry. My Department has responsibility for implementing EU vehicle standards and ensures that each new vehicle entering into use in Ireland conforms to the relevant standards, including emissions. Complementary to this, optimal vehicle operation enhances fuel efficiency. The National Car Test, which was introduced in 2000, facilitates such improved vehicle standards.

Tackling the impact of transport emissions requires a cross-Departmental approach involving a number of Government Departments. I am determined to ensure that my Department will continue to play its part in ensuring that the transport sector makes its contribution to the important task of achieving Ireland's national greenhouse gas emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol, and to deliver on an increasingly sustainable transport provision.