A major debate in Trinity College Dublin on Thursday 22nd July, organized by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport* and the Centre for Transport Studies in TCD’s School of Engineering, heard that Ireland can become a pioneer in the area of transport fuel alternatives that will simultaneously benefit the environment and foster growth in a key industry.

L-R: Dr. Laurence Gill, Minister Ciaran Cuff T.D., Aidan Murphy CMILT (CILT Vice-President)

Speaking ahead of the event, the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Paul Mallee, praised the Government’s commitment to promoting transport fuel alternatives and called on them to further incentivise this innovative sector in line with their Smart Economy strategy. In doing so, he said, Ireland could become a “global test bed for alternative transport fuels.”

Dr Brian Caulfield of the School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin warned, however, that research undertaken by the Centre for Transport Studies showed that price remains the key determining factor for the public in considering the purchase of alternatively fuelled vehicles.  Dr Caulfield commented, “While environmental issues were found to be important, the results of his research show that cost is the most important factor when encouraging people to purchase an alternatively fuelled car.”

Other speakers at the debate included Patrick Callanan (Bord Gais), Paul Mulvaney (ESB ecars), Jerry Kiersey FCILT (Green Tiger Express) and Dr. Brian Caulfield (Trinity College Dublin). The debate was chaired by Irish Times Environment Editor, Frank McDonald.

Minister Cuffe commented, “In recent months the Government has signed a second memorandum of with a major manufacturer to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in Ireland. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to strengthen and develop Ireland’s international position as a first-mover for this innovative sector and a pioneer in cleaner, greener transport. “We are fully committed to the roll-out of alternative transport options, and I have made this a priority issue during my term as Minister for Sustainable Transport.”

CILT President Paul Mallee added, “The transport sector must capitalise on the Government’s enthusiasm for sustainable transport options and demonstrate the added-value this can bring in terms of fostering growth and supporting their Smart Economy strategy.

“Developments in this area are likely to focus on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as the forerunner to electric vehicles, but progress in this area remains painstakingly slow due to cost implications. Bio-fuels or compressed natural gas forming part of the fuel mix will also provide for transition or even longer term solutions. Now is the time to consider the options.

“Our industry must work with Government to identify ways of incentivising and prioritising its development. In doing so, this will help create jobs in an emerging high-end sector, alongside the obvious environmental benefits. Ireland should become a test bed and pioneer in developing transport fuel alternatives.”

After the end of the presentation a Q & A session commenced with some interesting questions and comments made by the packed audience in attendance. 

Guest were then finally treated to some light refreshements where guests continued to discuss the key topics of the forum and network with each other. 

CILT would like to thank Minister Ciaran Cuff T.D., Frank Mc Donald (Irish Times), Paul Mulvaney (ESB ecars), Conor Faughnan (AA Ireland), Jerry Kiersey FCILT (Green Tiger Express), Patrick Callanan (Bord Gais), Dr. Brian Caulfield (Trinity College Dublin) and all the staff of Trinity College Dublin, for making this event such a success.