Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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74. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the transport sector emissions targets that have been set by his Department; the actions that have been taken to meet these targets to date; the proposed steps that are agreed to be taken to meet these targets; the expected emissions from the transport sector for 2020, 2030 and 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49347/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and Ireland's emission reduction targets are national and not sectoral in nature.  Our national objective, as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 is to ensure transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. A reduction in carbon emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 has been collectively targeted across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors, in parallel with an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector.

The transport sector will play a strong role in contributing to our national emissions reduction effort. The EPA projects that by 2020 transport will have increased its sectoral share of greenhouse gas emissions to 29%, rising further to 32% by 2030. Though not unexpected - given Ireland's rising population and welcome return to economic growth with the corresponding rise in transport requirements - this projection nevertheless confirms that, without intervention, greenhouse gas emissions will unquestionably continue to rise. It places in sharp focus the significant challenge we face to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without hindering social improvement or financial recovery.

To decarbonise transport we are deploying a diverse range of measures, key among them being the increased uptake and operation of cleaner alternative fuels and technologies as well as promoting modal shift to public transport and active travel modes where possible.  A wide-ranging set of transport mitigation measures and corresponding action points are detailed in the National Mitigation Plan and it is anticipated that these measures will develop further as climate research and technological innovations progress.

Although emissions from the transport sector are currently increasing, it is worthwhile noting that a number of successful mitigation measures have been introduced which have impacted and are positively addressing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. They include sustained investment in the public and sustainable transport network, implementation of EU vehicle standard regulations limiting tail pipe emissions, redesigning the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and motor tax regimes to promote low carbon emitting vehicles, incentives to encourage alternative fuel and technologies, and the introduction of a Biofuel Obligation Scheme.

Yet, the transport sector needs to build on these and go further to address this challenge. A series of measures announced in Budget 2018 clearly reflected this Government’s determination to make progress on decarbonising transport.  I am pleased to have secured significant funding commitments to actively address the climate challenge on three key fronts.  Firstly, we are working to enhance the capacity and quality of public transport to ensure that, as far as possible and practical, our increased transport demand is met by greener public transport (over €400m will be invested in public transport infrastructure in 2018 alone with a 4 year capital envelope of over €2.5bn).Secondly, we will invest over €100m in a multi-annual cycling and walking programme to support greater uptake of active travel. And, as recommended by the Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce, a suite of tax and expenditure measures was announced to clearly indicate the Government’s commitment to a low-carbon electric vehicle future.