CO2 emissions from new cars should be cut by 40% by 2030 as MEPs voted on proposals. In addition market uptake of electric and low-emission cars should accelerate as a result of these votes. This is good news for Ireland.

In the draft law voted on yesterday, MEPs proposed setting a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 of 40%, with an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans.

Manufacturers whose average CO2 emissions exceed these targets will pay a fine to the EU budget, to be used for up-skilling workers affected by changes in the automotive sector. Carmakers will also have to ensure that zero and low emission vehicles have a 35% market share of sales of new cars and vans by 2030, and 20% by 2025.

We voted to put emission targets and electric vehicle targets in place yesterday. These are ambitious targets but very good for Ireland as we need to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Transport is the fastest growing in terms of carbon emissions particularly as the economy improves and more people are at work. Ireland is a taker of standards as cars are manufactured outside the country so it is good that ambitious manufacturing standards are put in place as this will help us to achieve our targets.

It is good to have this focus on transport for the environment and it will help us meet our targets in other areas. Transport is the only major sector in the EU where greenhouse gas emissions are still rising and carmakers must engage with these new targets.

The report was adopted with 389 votes to 239 and 41 abstentions. EU ministers will adopt their common position on 9th October. Negotiations with MEPs for a first reading agreement would then start on 10th October.