New Research Projects Published On Transport Changes For Climate Action

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the publication of four research projects exploring transport changes needed to help tackle the climate emergency.

Commissioned by her Department as part of its input to the Executive's Energy Strategy, the independent research covers the areas of Active Travel and Modal Shift, Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure, Alternative Fuels for Transport and Greening of the Fleets.

Minister Mallon said: "These reports will be key in our battle against climate change. They provide expert advice to help in informing how we progress the decarbonisation of our transport system and support my intention to prioritise active travel, walking, wheeling and cycling and public transport. Crucially this research will challenge all of us in Government to change the way we do things and not to be complacent in our approach. I want my team to carefully study these findings and challenge ourselves on how we can improve and deliver the change our society needs.

"I have already taken a number of actions towards decarbonising our transport system such as allocating funding in the region of £74 million towards the purchase of zero and low emission buses for our public transport fleet which will enter service with Translink during 2021/22. In November 2020, I was delighted to announce additional funding of £30million for the purchase of 38 new zero emission battery electric buses for the Foyle Metro fleet which will allow Derry to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet when all the vehicles go into passenger service in 2023."

The Minister continued: "I am also pleased to have been able to endorse, on behalf of the Executive, the Glasgow Declaration which was announced at COP 26 to accelerate the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans.

"I have also established an EV Infrastructure Task-Force comprising of representatives from across the public and private sectors to help set out a clear action plan for delivering a fit for purpose, modern electric vehicle infrastructure network. The report on EV infrastructure will be particularly useful to this group in their work.

"In terms of active travel, I have allocated £13.5 million from my Blue/Green for active travel projects across the North and to provide support for greenways and other cycling measures."

Minister Mallon concluded: "There is so much that we need to do to take action to address the climate crisis and these research reports will provide further advice to inform our next steps. Working with experts outside of Government is key to providing challenge but also creative change. I am fully motivated to do whatever is in my power to help resolve the crisis threatening our environment."