The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action has published a report with 47 recommendations to tackle Ireland’s record as having the fourth highest level of transport emissions per person in Europe. Committee chairman and Green Party politician deputy Brian Leddin said: “Ireland has the fourth highest level of transport emissions per capita in Europe and the transport sector is responsible for around 20pc of our overall CO₂ emissions, with private cars being the largest contributors to transport emissions. Plus, it recommends the examination of “road user charges” – including potential targets for car mileage reductions to reduce transport emissions; and the reallocation of revenue from such charges to more sustainable alternatives. Family-friendly cycling infrastructure should also be introduced;“A free public transport system should be costed as an option for encouraging the uptake of public transport in Ireland. “This report points the way towards how we achieve the necessary reduction in transport emissions through a fundamental change in how we plan and manage a quality and sustainable transport system in Ireland,” deputy Leddin concluded.

Source: Irish Independent June 03, 2021 13:18 UTC