The Transport Sector is the sector which has shown the greatest increase in energy consumption and CO2 emissions within Clare and Limerick Counties since 1990. Presently the Transport Sector accounts for 40% of Total Final (Energy) Consumption and 28% of CO2 emissions. If current trends continue it is expected that the Transport sector will increase TFC from 1,552 GWh in 2004 to 2,007 GWh in 2010 and further to 2,181 GWh in 2015. Achieving change in the transport sector is perhaps the most challenging given the current trend towards purchasing of new cars, increased economic activity. In particular, in a rural context the challenge is even greater given the limited access to alternative transport means.

The Limerick Clare Energy and Emissions Balance set Quantified Indicative Reduction Targets for the Transport Sector in counties Clare and Limerick. The estimated reduction that could be achieved in the relation to transport was in the region of 88 kTonnes of CO2. Savings will be targeted in the following areas:

• Car Efficiency
• Trip Management (Modality)
• Car Pooling / Sharing
• Hybrid Cars
• Cycle To Work grant scheme
• Public Road Transport
• Public Rail Transport
• Green Transport Fuels

For more information look at the links section.