Transport
Transport
Introduction
The transport sector accounted for 17.7% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.[1]
The constraints on travel in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 resulted in transport sector emissions levels falling to 10.3 Mt CO2eq., relative to its 12.2 Mt CO2eq. emissions baseline. 2021 saw an increase in emissions to 10.9Mt CO2eq, largely driven by the cessation of public health restrictions that had artificially reduced transport demand. The SEAI interim energy balance for 2022 show a 6.5% increase in national transport emissions over 2021, to11.4 Mt CO2. The continued increase in transport fuel usage is largely due to a rebound in transport activity post-pandemic.
Cyclical increases in economic activity have always been reflected in a growth in demand for transport. When this historical trend is coupled with our projected population growth, to 5.7 million by 2040, it is vital to consider how we can provide a sustainable transport system that can meet that anticipated demand. We need to consider how shifting from private passenger cars to sustainable modes of transport can be achieved; in particular, how can walking, cycling and other forms of active mobility be part of our daily lives whether that be for commuting or leisure purposes.
Transport targets set in the 2023 Climate Action Plan
The Transport chapter of Climate Action Plan 2023 brings a real, new focus on the need for systemic action, at all levels of Government, in order to better integrate our planning and transport systems so that we can achieve the 50% emissions abatement target for the sector. Our new ‘Avoid-Shift-Improve’ approach to the classification of actions, and focus on high-impact measures, such as through roadspace reallocation, focus on communication and engagement strategies, and the promotion of viable alternatives to private car use, was informed by the OECD Report, commissioned by the Climate Change Advisory Council, on the Irish transport system – Redesigning transport: Towards Irish transport systems that work for people and the planet.
New indicators have been introduced, and certain CAP21 indicators have been reframed, to make very clear just how transformative the level of system change required will be.
These revised indicators include:
- a reduction in total kilometres driven of 20%,
- to reduce our fuel use in transport by 50%,
- to have nearly 1 in 3 cars on the road as a battery electric vehicle; and
- to reduce the modal share of daily car journeys from over 70% to c. 50% by 2030.
Sectoral Emission Ceiling
The Transport sector’s sectoral emission ceiling for the first carbon budget period (2021-2025) reflects a 20% reduction in emissions and a 50% reduction in the second budget period (2026- - 2030), relative to 2018 levels.
Consultation Questions
Avoid Measures
- What improvements should be made to ensure transport-oriented planning and development (commercial and residential) is realised on a consistent basis to avoid further forced car dependency or lock-in of unsustainable practices?
- What changes should be considered in relation to the management of roads in urban centres to reduce congestion and support the prioritisation of more sustainable modes? (e.g. reducing speed limits, parking policy, higher parking charges, low-emission zones)
- What changes should be considered in relation to the management of Ireland’s road network? (e.g. to charge motorists for distance or time spent travelling on the network)
- What potential do blended working policies or remote working hubs have to help reduce commuting travel and transport emissions?
- What potential do digitalization, innovation and efficiency improvements in the commercial sector have to deliver further emissions abatement in transport? What are the barriers to delivery of each?
Shift Measures
- How can the delivery of physical infrastructure, such as public transport projects, cycle lanes and urban roadspace reallocation be more effectively accelerated?
- What measures and supports are needed to ensure the effective development of shared mobility options and hubs?
- What additional measures should be considered to improve the quality or attractiveness of public transport or active mobility solutions as an alternative to private car use?
- What expectation or level of public transport service is appropriate in rural communities and what other key measures can support a transition to sustainable modes?
- What policies or measures can be considered to further incentivise the use of more sustainable modes of transport for education and leisure-related journeys?
Improve Measures
- What specific measures should be applied to deliver additional emissions reduction and improved energy efficiency in the transition of our vehicle fleet from fossil-fuels?
- What specific measures should be applied in the commercial transport sector to encourage or accelerate a change to EVs or to other zero carbon alternatives?
- What specific actions can government take to help create a robust second-hand market for electric vehicles?
Open
- How important is the role of public engagement and communications in encouraging individual behavioural change, and what forms of engagement are considered most effective? What more can be done to demonstrate the benefits of modal shift?
- What are the key elements of a just transition in transport? Are there certain cohorts that should be insulated from potential increased costs or how best can we address distributional impacts in a more equitable manner?
- What other opportunities exist to support the decarbonisation of the Transport sector?