Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Transport the action he is taking through vehicle standards, road pricing, public transport provision or otherwise to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41653/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will initiate discussions with companies selling cars here to see if they will commit to selling at least flexfuel model in their respective line ups at a price comparable to regular petrol version as has been promised by French motor companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41789/06]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Transport the specific measures being pursued by his Department to encourage commuters to adopt more sustainable means of travel and transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41760/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 66 and 94 together.

My Department's principal contribution towards improving the sustainability of transport is through a range of Transport 21 investments. Transport 21 will provide unprecedented levels of funding for public transport over the next ten years, and represents a major rebalancing of investment in favour of public transport, which will facilitate modal shift towards public transport. Increased public transport use and the provision of an alternative to the private car remains a fundamental objective of the public transport investment programme.

Investment under the National Development Plan in recent years has funded a major expansion in the capacity of commuter rail and bus services. Total investment in CIE operated transport services over the period 2002-2005 amounted to €2.24 billion.

Under Transport 21 public transport capacity is set to almost double over the period of this investment programme. A high level of investment in rail and bus services will be maintained and will total approximately €16 billion for public transport throughout the country. The capital provision for public transport in 2007 is a record €777 million. This investment will result in a further expansion of public transport capacity.

Transport 21 provides funding for other sustainable transport initiatives. The purpose of these initiatives is to make cleaner, more environmentally-friendly vehicles available, within public transport, the haulage industry and taxis. These initiatives include pilot projects for biofuel and hybrid-electric technologies, and eco-driving. My Department will be engaging with the relevant sectors to progress these initiatives. We are is also providing significant financial and other support for a range of traffic management initiatives, including bus priority and the provision of improved facilities for cycling and walking.

The continued development of the national road programme, under Transport 21, makes a positive contribution by improving the road network. This allows traffic flow more freely and efficiently, so reducing traffic congestion and helping to limit emissions.

Specific measures in relation to improving private car fuel efficiency are being tackled in the context of European Union transport policy. Many of the issues can best be approached from a European or even an international perspective rather than addressing specific car suppliers in individual Member States.

Europe has a specific strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars. As part of this strategy Ireland supports the EU Voluntary Agreements negotiated between the European Commission and the international motor industry aimed at achieving emission reductions through designing efficiency improvements into new vehicles. According to the European Commission's most recent annual report on the impact of the voluntary agreements, in 2004 CO2 emissions from new cars, at 161g of CO2/km, were 12.4% below 1995 levels. The Community objective under the strategy is to reach an emission level of 120 g of CO2/km by 2012 at the latest.

In support for that strategy, it is a requirement that all new vehicles registered in Ireland conform to the EU Type-Approval System emissions standards. Furthermore, as part of the periodic compulsory roadworthiness testing schemes, vehicles are examined to ensure that they comply with the emissions standards.

The European Commission is currently reviewing that strategy and the options available to further reduce CO2 emissions. The revised strategy, which will be subject to an impact assessment, will be based on an integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from cars, involving the various stakeholders and will examine car technology, fuels, infrastructure and driver behaviour.

It is generally recognised that the achievement of significant emission reductions in the transport sector is difficult even in a low growth scenario, but it is particularly so given the strong economic growth and growing population scenario that is the case in Ireland. In this context, my Department remains committed to delivering a sustainable transport sector that will support Ireland's economic, social and environmental aspirations now and in the future.