Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent projections of the EPA that, rather than reducing, transport emissions are expected to increase by 10% to 12% between 2015 and 2020; in view of the fact that road transport accounts for 95% of total transport emissions here, his further views on whether Government transport policy heavily favours the road system and arguably has the knock-on effect of incentivising private car use over public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Transport is a derived demand.  Ireland's welcome return to strong employment growth in recent years coupled with expected population growth is significantly impacting upon travel demand. Despite some policy success in decoupling transport emissions from travel demand over the last decade, we recognise that the scale of increase in transport needs will likely negatively impact on the sectors emissions profile.

Under the leadership of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who spearhead the process, my own Department is one of the key Departments - including Agriculture, Food and the Marine;  Housing, Planning and Local Government;  Finance; and Public Expenditure and Reform - contributing to the development of the National Mitigation Plan which will be published soon. This cross-sectoral Plan will set out the challenges to meeting emission reductions targets for the entire economy and chart a clear and quantified path towards Ireland's long-term objective of transition to a low-carbon, and climate resilient economy by 2050.  In relation to the transport sector, a wide range of measures are considered, with the focus on securing a shift to public transport in appropriate, particularly urban, areas, speeding up the expected transition to alternative fuels or technologies, and targeted behavioural change.

The continued development of public transport and active travel modes will be a key element in providing an effective and sustainable transport system for the future. My Department's commitment to reducing dependence on the private car in favour of more sustainable forms of travel where feasible is clearly demonstrated by funding important infrastructure and behavioural change programmes to promote visibility and uptake of alternative modes of transport.  As the Deputy is aware, I have made and continue to make a strong case for public transport investment to be increased and accelerated to address our forecast growth in transport needs as part of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.

We must equally ensure that the capacity of our transport system to respond to the challenge of reducing emissions is not undermined.  Delivery and maintenance of high quality road infrastructure is crucial for the efficient transportation of all vehicles, not least buses, coaches and bicycles.

Transport policy is developed to best serve the needs of society and the economy through safe, sustainable and competitive transport networks and services.  We are working hard to embed the imperative of securing cleaner, lower carbon transport emissions at the core of policy making.