Hydrogen Ireland welcomes news that the Minister for Transport, the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan has launched the Climate Action Plan 2023, which sets out the pathway towards achieving a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
As the first statutory Climate Action Plan since the adoption of the carbon budget programme and sectoral emission ceilings, this year’s update details the legally binding targets needed to meet the accelerated level of change required. The Transport Chapter of CAP23 is ambitious. Under sectoral emission targets agreed last July, the transport sector must reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030. CAP23 outlines the steps which will enable a radical, equitable transformation in how we travel over the next seven years as we move towards the 50% reduction in carbon emission by 2030, and a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050.
The need to move swiftly in transport is even more pressing given that following COVID-19 transport emissions globally and here in Ireland, are increasing. In 2021, transport emissions rose by over 6% and indications are that this trend will continue into 2022. The transport sector represents about 18% of Ireland’s carbon emissions nationally with road transport and private car usage carrying the most significant carbon footprint.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “Let’s be clear – decarbonisation of the transport sector presents unique and significant challenges. Changes here impact everyone. Over decades, we have built our country, our towns and cities, around the car and that is just not sustainable. Apart from achieving our climate objectives, the systemic changes mapped out in this new Climate Action Plan will enable a healthier, cleaner, more connected transport system for everyone. This is the ultimate prize.
“The transport chapter of this updated plan will build on the high level of increased investment that has gone into public transport and active travel modes to date. It sets out a pragmatic and much needed vision for transforming how we travel, to cut emissions, and connect our communities via better public transport both in urban and rural areas. It acknowledges that while we need to electrify our transport system, we can also improve our wellbeing by reducing the need to travel in the first place and switching to sustainable modes where possible. Together, these innovative measures will deliver significant benefits to communities, businesses, and individuals alike.”
