Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

373. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific measures taken in his Departmental offices and operations in reducing energy usage and to assist in Ireland meeting our climate targets for 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23330/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Transport Climate Action Roadmap outlines activities aiming to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions and 50% more energy efficient by 2030 and net zero by 2050, in line with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Public Sector Mandate. These measures include infrastructure investment, service improvements and behavioural changes. My Department has actively engaged staff in awareness and education initiatives through working groups, formal education and internal communication platforms. The Department achieved ISO 50001 accreditation in energy management and was the first to receive the Smarter Travel Mark at the gold level. We also monitor food waste, recycling, and ensure implementation of our green procurement policies.

Our transition to the new AW189 helicopters for our Coast Guard rescue services will offer improved operational and environmental performance including lower CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft types. The new aircraft will also be capable of operating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in the future.

Energy is procured centrally through the Office of Government Procurement for cost savings. Our Green Team has been active in promoting and undertaking sustainable activities. As with other obligations, such as Health & Safety and Data Protection, it is the responsibility of every staff member to co-operate with all measures undertaken, and to contribute to the Department of Transport’s efforts to achieve its carbon reduction goals. DoT is committed to integrating climate action into its strategy and decision-making processes.