Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the transport sector has found it possible to achieve carbon reduction targets; if he has in mind any particular initiatives for the further enhancement of achievements under this heading; the extent to which achievement to date in this jurisdiction can be favourably compared with other jurisdictions throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52671/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The most recent EPA figures for greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are for 2011, and these figures show that they have fallen from a peak of 14.48 million tonnes in 2007 to 11.29 million tonnes in 2011, representing a decrease of 22%.  A further decrease in emissions would be expected for 2012.

2011 was the fourth year in a row that a decrease in transport sector emissions has been reported following significant growth up to 2007. Whilst much of this reduction in emissions can be attributed to the contraction of the economy, savings are also being made due to policies and measures such as mobility management schemes, and promoting modal shift to cycling. In particular, the motor taxation and vehicle registration taxation rebalancing introduced in mid-2008 has encouraged the entry of more energy efficient new cars to the fleet, leading to significant reductions in the associated greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme started operation in mid-2010 with biofuels displacing petrol and diesel use in the transport sector.

However, the country faces considerable challenges in meeting EU 2020 targets and developing a low-carbon emission pathway to 2050.

Initiatives within the transport sector to address our carbon reduction targets are identified in Smarter Travel - Our Sustainable Transport Future, most of the actions in which continue to be pursued despite the current economic climate.  An assessment of least-cost, effective, additional measures across all sectors including transport was recently carried out by the NESC Secretariat which highlighted again the key role being played by the motor taxation and vehicle registration taxation rebalancing to secure the earliest entry of more energy efficient cars to the fleet and proposed some potential new measures, mainly in the freight area, which my Department is examining.  However, it is important to note that the potential savings from such measures remain small in the context of total sectoral emissions.