1672. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date made by his Department in the creation of a low-carbon roadmap as sought under the Our Sustainable Future policy framework and which is necessary to enable the transition to a competitive, low carbon and environmentally-sustainable economy. [38100/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy refers, Departments with responsibility for key sectors in the transition to a low-carbon economy have been tasked with the preparation of individual low-carbon roadmaps that will deliver out to 2050.

Transport is a key sector in this context and my Department will be required to frame this low-carbon vision and undertake all necessary evaluation so that a robust and cost-effective policy platform can be developed. As part of this process, my Department is currently preparing a document for public consultation that will represent issues and policy considerations that are pertinent to transport from the perspective of transitioning to a low carbon future. It is hoped that this 'Issues Paper' will be published before the end of October and will seek to invite submissions from all interested parties and key stakeholders. Submissions received on foot of this paper will better inform the preparation of the roadmap and will contribute to key policy considerations within the transport sector. Such considerations will include, among others, a continuation of a least cost measures approach, a focus on technology, sustainable land use patterns, alternative fuel options and market susceptibility to measures proposed.

Subsequent to the receipt of submissions and feedback from the Issues Paper, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will be liaising with the other relevant Departments on the various measures proposed with a view to agreeing a cross sectoral approach that prioritises the steps to be taken between now and 2050.