Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

294 Chapter 11: Environment and Transport 4. Responses As outlined above, transport has an impact on the environment via air pollution, noise and GHG emissions (see Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 14). Responses to transport issues to date have centred on reducing emissions of GHGs to mitigate ongoing climate change. These responses will have co-benefits in reducing air pollution and environmental noise but will not fully address these environmental issues. The remainder of this section will consider those responses at EU and national levels. Policy responses Table 11.4 provides a summary of the most relevant policy documents related to transport in Ireland. The annual Climate Action Plan acts as the key policy document in the area related to decarbonisation. Its annual review of the sector provides direction in terms of policy and progress in reducing emissions. Table 11.4  Summary of current transport policy POLICY YEAR OVERVIEW Climate Action Plan (Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications) Annual plan The plan sets out pathways to reduce emissions in the transport sector by 50% by 2030. The plan uses the avoid–shift– improve framework to realise these emission reductions. Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies (National Transport Authority) Multiple years Each of the five cities and their surrounding regions all produce transport strategies. These strategies outline the steps required to provide sustainable mobility. Moving Together: A Strategic Approach to the Improved Efficiency of the Transport System in Ireland (Department of Transport) 2024 This draft strategy provides a range of demand management options for reducing emissions, including air pollutants, and noise exposure. The draft makes 35 key recommendations to enable a more efficient transport system in Ireland. National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2025 2023 This strategy presents the pathway and practical steps for the delivery of a national electric vehicle charging network. National Road EV Charging Network Plan 2023 This plan is the first part of the National EV Charging Plan and focuses on and provides a roadmap for the development of en-route EV charging. Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure 2023 The guidelines provide clear direction to all those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation and operation of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022–2031 2023 The first-ever government strategy dedicated to the haulage and road freight sector focuses on measures to help the sector move to a low-carbon future. Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023–2025 2023 This sets out Ireland’s policy pathway for achieving a renewable transport fuel supply that meets national Climate Action Plan biofuel targets and EU renewable energy obligations.