Minister Mallon welcomes An Taoiseach’s plans for all-island green projects | Newry Times
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has welcomed plans announced by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD for major green all-island projects.
In his speech at the Shared Island forum, Mr Martin set out his plans for joint North-South projects including new all-island greenway routes, a network of EV charging points and plans for hydrogen buses and lorries.
Minister Mallon comments, “It is fantastic to see An Taoiseach announce steps to improve connectivity and tackle the climate crisis facing the entire island.
“Since taking up post as Minister for Infrastructure, I have invested capital funding of £6 million for Council greenway projects right across the North and further funding for all island greenway projects from the Shared Island Fund promises a further impetus to greenway development.
“I am committed to north-south co-operation and look forward to working closely with An Taoiseach and the Irish Government to deliver real change through the construction of greenways for the benefit of all citizens across this island.
“In step with the Irish Government, I am driving forward decarbonisation here by establishing a new EV Infrastructure Task-Force to help us deliver a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“I am delighted with plans announced today by An Taoiseach to improve EV charging infrastructure across the island and look forward to working in partnership to deliver the transformative change our citizens need and deserve.
“I also welcome this proposal to use Shared Island funding to develop an all-island “green hydrogen” plan for the road network focusing on buses and heavy goods vehicles.
“It is very clear that the pathway to transport decarbonisation will require the introduction of a range of alternative cleaner fuels such as Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology for heavier vehicles.
“Since December 2020, our Translink services have been successfully trialling three double-deck Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses, which were the first on the island.
“And I have recently allocated further funding to purchase 20 more and my Department has been exploring additional opportunities to introduce Hydrogen technologies in other Heavy Goods Vehicle sectors.
“I look forward to working closely with An Taoiseach and my colleagues in the Irish Government to deliver transformative, all-island, life-changing infrastructure projects.”
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Dec 16 2021. Filed under Politics.
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