The new coalition of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party has published their programme for Government. As expected, this includes a section on the decarbonising of transport.
While there was particular attention given to cars and light commercial vehicles on most of the planned measures, there is specific reference to the road haulage sector. Under the heading of “Decarbonisation of Road Transport” – it states that the Government will: –
“Publish and implement a 10-year strategy for the haulage sector focused on improving efficiencies, standards and helping the sector move to a low- carbon future.”
Paul Jackman, Vice-President of the Irish Road haulage Association (IRHA) commented on the publication of the Programme:-
“The IRHA welcomes the formation of a new Government based on a strong policy document, which hopefully will see it enjoy a full productive term in office. We especially welcome the 10 year strategy for the Haulage Sector as referenced, which very much ties in with IRHA involvement in State supported initiatives such as, the Professional HGV Traineeship, the ECO-Driving Upskilling Course, our participation in, Freight Decarbonisation Work stream and our recent inclusion in the Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) Working Group. Our collaborative approach to the decarbonisation of the freight sector will continue, within the reality of EURO 6 Diesel along with Natural Gas (CNG), being the only fuel options currently available, that can reduce our national fleet Green House Gas emissions, with Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Electric Trucks being the alternative fuel type to prepare for, as they become both commercially available and commercially viable.”