Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the decrease in motor sales over the past number of months, he has reviewed or altered his estimates for transport emissions in the short to medium term; if the drop in car sales will affect the measures aimed at combating rising transport emissions in the forthcoming sustainable travel and transport action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39860/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Transport when the sustainable transport and travel action plan will be published; the key themes and measures proposed; if he is revising the plan in the context of the economic downturn and programme of cutbacks outlined in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39859/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 138 together.

It is my intention to bring the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan to Government before the end of the current year, with publication as soon as possible thereafter. It is clear, at this stage, that the Plan will need to focus on areas such as — actions to reduce dependence on private car and to encourage smarter travel, actions to ensure that alternatives to car use are available through improving public transport, cycling and walking facilities, actions aimed at improving fuel efficiency of motorised transport, and actions aimed at strengthening institutional arrangements.

I recognise that there has been a change in economic circumstances since the publication in February 2008 of the consultation document "2020 Vision — Sustainable Travel and Transport" and that lower economic growth will lead to lower growth in transport emissions. This will be taken into account in the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan.

Moving towards a sustainable travel and transport system will require a long-term programme of action and it is my view that such a programme must be adopted at the earliest possible time.