Mallon announces plans to ‘green’ the Department’s vehicle fleet

Date published: 8 December 2020

The scheme which will assess the suitability of electric vehicles to meet operational needs will initially see the purchase of two electric vans, with a view to replacing additional fleet with low emission vehicles in the future. The Department will also install diesel particulate filters in the exhaust systems of the Strangford Ferry Service fleet to reduce diesel emissions from that service entering the environment.

Minister Mallon said:

“Since taking up my role as Infrastructure Minister I have been clear that addressing the climate emergency is one of my key priorities. I have an ambitious vision for a low carbon future and I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure.

“From day one I have led from the front on this by using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car but I also want to see my Department move towards the use of low carbon vehicles for operational business where possible.

“This is the start of the change that we need to see and I hope to be able to replace further fleet as it reaches the end of its life. This is a real opportunity to help tackle climate change and contribute to better health outcomes for all our population. I want to make positive steps to choose cleaner, greener travel and am delighted my department is now taking the right steps to lead by example.”