Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in reducing transport emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46447/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Meaningful progress towards reducing transport greenhouse gas emissions will only be achieved through undertaking a comprehensive set of measures over an extended period.

The present National Climate Change Strategy contains a number of measures to reduce transport emissions, including technology improvements, excise relief for biofuels, traffic measures in the Greater Dublin Area, rebalancing of motor taxes, fuel economy labelling, modal shift through Transport 21, alignment of spatial planning and transport investment and efficient driving awareness. Notwithstanding these measures, the benefits of which have yet to be fully realised, emissions from the transport sector have continued to grow very much in line with economic growth, a trend that is normal in other developed countries.

It is clear to me that more needs to be done if the transport sector is to play its part in reducing emissions generally. I signalled that when I launched a public consultation process on sustainable transport in February of this year. The detailed issues I raised and the public's response are available on www.sustainabletravel.ie.

Following on from that consultation process, it is my intention to publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will detail the measures that need to be taken not only to reduce emissions but also to enhance competitiveness, reduce congestion, deliver dividends in relation to public health and social inclusion and improve quality of life, as early as possible in 2009.