Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44740/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As transport accounts for 20% of Ireland’s national emissions, the decarbonisation of the sector is of critical importance for Ireland to achieve our emissions reductions targets and goals. In 2019 about half of transport carbon emissions originated from the passenger car fleet, while the heavy and light duty freight sectors together accounted for about a further 26% of Irish land transport emissions. Public transport (bus, rail and taxi) vehicles were responsible for approximately 4.5% of transport emissions.

Maximum impact in emission savings can therefore be achieved in the private car and freight sectors, by promoting a shift away from higher emitting and more polluting vehicles and fuels towards zero or low emission alternatives, and by assisting citizens to make the switch to active travel (walking and cycling). The transition of the public transport fleet (including buses, heavy rail and the taxi sector) to low-emitting technologies also plays a significant leadership and demonstration role in reducing emissions, in normalising alternative transport technologies, and in reducing air and noise pollutant emissions, particularly in Ireland’s towns and cities.

Given the complexities of the sector, and the varying maturity-levels of low emitting technologies for different vehicle types and uses, no single technology holds the key to the decarbonisation of transport. A range of technologies and strategies will be required to meet emissions reduction targets and to transition Irish transport to cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

The Government has introduced a range of instruments and strategies to assist the necessary transition of the transport sector to sustainable alternatives. Underpinning all of these is the Government’s recognition that clean mobility strategies require technical, evidence-based and innovative solutions. As Ireland is largely a transport technology taker, my Department is also monitoring international and national developments in emerging low and zero-emission technologies, such as the potential future role of renewable hydrogen in transport, and the recent European Commission call for participation in a study on potential emission reduction through the retrofitting of existing passenger cars and vans.

Given the urgency of reducing emissions from the transport sector, my Department welcomes the development and implementation of such technologies and initiatives. Where such technologies involve the modification of existing vehicles, due consideration must, of course, be given to the safety and effectiveness of any modifications. Vehicle owners or operators must also meet their legal obligation to ensure that their vehicle is maintained in a roadworthy condition, regardless of the system of propulsion or the fuel used.

The Deputy will also be aware that my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and his Department plays an important role providing start-ups with advice and support. I also understand that a meeting between the individual concerned and officials in my Department is being arranged.