Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures his Department intends taking to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emission from the transport sector; and the forecasts for a possible future increase or decrease in greenhouse emissions from the transport sector. [21891/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in 2000, sets out Ireland's approach to meeting its Kyoto Protocol target. This document is currently under review in the light of developments at national, European and international levels since its publication.

A study was carried out by ICF Consulting and Byrne Ó Cléirigh to inform the Government how to allocate the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions budget for the period 2008 — 2012. This study developed projections of CO2 emissions for each sector, including transport, up to 2012, based on policies and measures already announced that will directly and indirectly impact Ireland's GHG emissions profile. A copy is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Emissions from transport are projected to increase from 5.16 Mt in 1990 to an annual average of 13.03 Mt in the period 2008 — 2012 taking account of policies and measures published in NCCS (2000). However, the calculation of these projections did not include the impact of Transport 21 on CO2 emissions from transport. Forecasts of the impact of any new measures, such as Transport 21, on greenhouse gas emissions from transport are being considered in the context of the review of the NCCS.

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.