Minister Eamon Ryan pushes zero emission vehicles and electric bikes with new Climate Mandate

Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, will today put forward plans for the public sector to help reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions.

Minister Ryan will seek cabinet approval to phase out the use of car parking in buildings where there are already good public transport services or mobility-sharing options for the majority of workers.

Parking will still be maintained for people with physical mobility issues or staff who work out of hour shifts. All drivers will be encouraged by public sector bodies to buy or lease only zero emission cars.

The Green Party Leader’s Mandate will also encourage the use of electric and push bikes. Public sector bodies responsible for reducing Ireland’s emissions will be expected to promote these means of transport by creating bicycle friendly buildings for employees and visitors, and installing sufficient bicycle parking.

The Public Sector Climate Action Mandate, outlined by the government and the Minister for the environment, Climate and Communications last year, requires public sector bodies to show leadership in climate action by taking, and reporting on, the actions of the Mandate.

This mandate applies to all public sector bodies, with the exception of the school's sector, local authorities, and commercial semi-State bodies.

The adoption of the Mandate will support public sector bodies to reduce Ireland’s GHG emissions by 51% by 2030.

Other items to be addressed in Minister Ryan’s plan by public sector bodies include ceasing the use of disposable cutlery, cups and plates from public sector canteens and restaurants, except for those in clinical or health settings, such as hospital canteens.

The public sector will also be mandated to cease the installation of new heating systems that use fossil fuels by the end of 2023.

Details of the plans will be published after Cabinet by Minister Ryan and Minister of State Ossian Smyth, the Minister responsible for Green procurement and the circular economy.