To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the development of a Climate Action Plan.

Under the requirements of The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, DAERA is responsible for preparing and publishing a Climate Action Plan (the CAP) for the 2023-2027 carbon budget period on behalf of all NI Departments.

Addressing climate change is one of my Department’s key priorities. My Department’s functions under the Act, primarily relate to transport and infrastructure, although other areas of the CAP fall under or relate to my Department’s remit such as, planning, water, nature-based solutions, energy and public buildings.

It is important that the CAP is based on best advice and evidence and is credible, taking into account Just Transition principles.

I welcome the recent publication of the consultation on regulations to establish a Just Transition Commission.

My officials have been working closely with officials in DAERA on providing the information required for the CAP.

As sector lead for transport, I have been focusing on the steps needed to decarbonise the transport sector here. My Department is responsible for providing a chapter in relation to transport for inclusion within the CAP and has developed its own bespoke Transport Emissions Model (TEM) to inform the evidence base and help decision making on the most appropriate policies and actions.

My three key high level transport policies are:

switch - reducing vehicle emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives

shift – shifting modes of transport away from private car journeys to sustainable travel alternatives

reduce - reducing the need for and length of vehicle journeys

Whilst I am committed to delivering against the Climate Change Act, including the CAP, I also recognise that the Executive as a whole needs to work collectively towards the delivery of net zero.