Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that his Department is taking to encourage the public to avoid purchasing vehicles that are larger than their needs; his views on whether there is a carbon reduction benefit that can be achieved in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55230/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am aware of recent reports that suggest an increasing global trend in the purchasing of larger and less fuel-efficient vehicles. I also note, however, that the existing approach to the taxation of motor vehicles through vehicle registration tax (VRT) in Ireland is already designed to encourage a shift to the purchasing of vehicles with improved emissions performance. 

Budget 2021 introduced a revised charging structure for VRT emissions bands based on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) emissions test to better reflect real-driving data, which supplements the NOx surcharge introduced in Budget 2020. My Department will continue to review and engage with the Department of Finance on how taxation policy may be used to support and encourage more sustainable transport and vehicle purchasing behaviour. 

I also welcome the fact that agreement has been reached at European Union level to implement a ban on the sale of new ICE (petrol and diesel) cars and vans from 2035, and to impose upon vehicle manufacturers enhanced interim targets for the reduction of emissions, reflecting the heightened ambition of the Fit for 55 package in ensuring that EU policies are in line with Europe’s climate goals.

More widely, while recent European standards imposed on vehicle manufacturers have led to an overall reduction in tailpipe emissions in new vehicles, I note that an increasing trend toward the purchase of larger vehicle models can also bring significant environmental and air-quality risk in terms of increased shedding of toxic particulate matter through increased tyre wear.

Given these considerations, and also the increased risk to vulnerable and other road users involved in collisions with heavier vehicles, I believe we need to take a wider holistic approach and shift to more sustainable transport modes, while reducing our level of private car use more generally. Making these changes will improve overall well-being and make our urban centres more attractive places to live and work, but will require a systemic change in our systems and behaviour.

In this context, my Department has published its National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) which sets out the vision and actions that we will be taking in this regard. I have also established a Leadership Group and Delivery team to oversee and drive implementation of the SMP Action Plan and delivery of a number of 'Pathfinder Programmes' over the next three years. These measures will be supported by additional actions to reduce our overall levels of car dependency that will be set out in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2023.