Written answers

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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48. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from transport compared to current levels that is anticipated to result from the implementation of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2016 to 2035 approved by his predecessor; and the way this increase in emissions, in the region with the greatest potential for modal shift to active travel modes and public transport, can be reconciled with the obligations to reduce emissions drastically and transition to a low carbon society in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, in line with international commitments in the Paris Agreement. [14246/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 (the "Strategy"), developed by the NTA, sets out a framework for the development of transport across the Dublin and Mid-East region over the next twenty years responding to a projected population increase from approximately 1.8 million to 2.3 million over that period (+27%), which, together with increasing employment, will result in increased travel demand of approximately 28.5%.

In preparing the Strategy my Department and the NTA were conscious that various policies related to climate change, air quality and associated action plans were under development including the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.  The Strategy committed that its implementation would incorporate the relevant targets and actions arising from these and related policies in the area of transport energy.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods over the twenty year period of the framework.  The measures proposed address this purpose and achieve a substantial change in mode share and in total numbers carried by sustainable modes. The Strategy unequivocally commits to promoting transport options that will reduce carbon emissions. 

The methodology of measuring the expected impacts of the Strategy is to compare a future year emission scenario both with and without the Strategy in place. During the preparation of the Strategy, an assessment was carried out to evaluate CO2 emissions in the absence of any of the policies that might be included in the National Mitigation Plan, and in the absence of any future engine technology improvements or future fuel efficiency improvements.  As a result of the projected shift in total numbers carried by sustainable modes a decrease in CO2 emissions of approximately 4% would be achieved in 2035 with the Transport Strategy in place compared to the situation without its implementation.

In order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy is being developed. My Department is working closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Department of Agriculture to prepare our National Mitigation Plan.

Transport will have to play a significant role on the national mitigation effort. The measures under consideration for transport will be wide-ranging and will focus on modal shift, movement to alternative fuels, and targeted behavioural change. To date, considerable progress has been achieved through measures aimed at promoting improved technologies and changing behaviour. The draft mitigation plan is currently available for extensive public consultation.

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