Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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128. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to introduce a congestion charge for cars in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47611/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department commissioned the Five Cities Demand Management Studyin late 2019, pursuant to Action 81 of the Climate Action Plan2019. The purpose of the Study is to identify transport demand drivers in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and to assess the impact and suitability of an array of different demand management measures for each city. The Study focuses on addressing four main challenges facing our cities: decarbonisation, air quality, congestion, and, ban environment. The Study is evidence-based using insight from an extensive international best practice review, national and local stakeholder engagement and supported by detailed qualitative (Phase 1) and quantitative (Phase 2) appraisal.

The Phase 1 Report was published in April 2021 (available from:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/63517-publication-of-five-cities-demand-management-study-phase-1-report-and-toolkits/

The Phase 2 Report is anticipated in late 2021.

In recognition of the new Climate Act, which legislates for carbon neutrality by 2050 and 51% emissions reduction by 2030, my Department has engaged in analysis in recent months to reach our 2030 emission reduction target, which will be outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2021, which the Government will publish shortly. Alongside a reduction in overall travel demand and a shift to sustainable mobility, a general reduction in conventional, fossil-fuelled kilometres will be required to reduce emissions in line with this target. The Five Cities Demand Management Study will set out a range of measures that can be used to achieve this goal.While this will require a fundamental change in our approach to travel and transport, it is vital to ensure a sustainable, emission-free transport system for the future.