Transport

Transport emissions decreased by 3.5% from 11.29 Mt CO2eq in 2011 to 10.90 Mt CO2eq in 2012. This is the fifth year in a row that a decrease in transport sector emissions has been reported following significant growth up to 2007; transport emissions in 2012 were 24.7% lower compared with 2007. The decrease primarily reflects the impact of the economic downturn plus the changes in vehicle registration tax and road tax introduced in mid-2008 (EPA, 2013). In addition, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme started operation in mid-2010 with biofuels displacing petrol and diesel use in the transport sector.

In 2012, gasoline use decreased by 9.1% while diesel use increased by 0.1%, reflecting the continued economic downturn in 2012 as well as the impact of policies and measures such as linking VRT and motor tax to CO2 emissions (EPA, 2013). Emissions in 2012 however were still 113% higher than the 1990 transport emissions, so a sharp focus on this area is still very much a necessity.

Changes in travelling patterns are required across the country from government, industry and individuals to halt this increase in transport related emissions.  A description of the extent of emissions from Irish transport modes and how we can reduce emissions are described in the accompanying links