Page 43 - Linkline Summer 2016

Sustainable Energy Conference
Donal Dempsey
As part of the 2016 season of Chartered Institute of Transport seminars the Southern Section held an evening seminar dealing with the topical issue of
sustainable energy. It examined the key role Irish Transport rms have in the roll out of leading edge developments in this crucial area
Martin Howley, from Sustainable Energy Ireland, outlined statistics behind Ireland’s use of non-renewable fossil based fuels and how transport operations have reversed the trend of private motor, heating and power supply users increasing their fossil fuel usage beyond that of pre-2006 levels, while road transport has decreased its usage,
taking 2006 as a base – even with our current economic recovery.
Colm Looby from Mitsubishi Ireland outlined the bene ts of hybrid and electric-only vehicles, as well as the tax
incentives and commercial incentives in Northern European countries to adapt motor and light commercials to electricity. He also spoke on how European cities are eliminating fossil burning commercial vehicles in the inner city through the adaption of logistics hubs outside cities and use of electric road trains within city limits. Tax incentives effecting bene t in kind, road tolls and parking are needed here for early adaption of such vehicles.
Ian Winning outlined Cork Corporations’ use of electric vehicles and explained the key reasons behind their im- plementation. He described how modern electric cars and vans can be matched to meet the highest expectation of application, with examples such as Cork Fire Brigade using an electric powered rapid response unit as rst re- sponder to cardiac arrest emergencies. Speed and acceleration are crucial to the operation of the vehicle where its limited range is not an issue as its area of coverage is within city limits.
Guest Speakers, Rodger O’Connor, Research and Innovation Engineer, Gas Networks Ireland, Martin Howley, Energy Policy Statistical Support Unit, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Colm Looby, Dealer Relations Representative, Mitsubishi Motors, Paddy Murphy, Macroom Haulage Ltd, Ian Winning, Cork City Council.
Gràinne Lynch Chairperson of
the CILT Southern Section, Ruth Lanigan, Business Development Executive CILT, with Stephen Ferriter, John Coleman, both DAF Trucks, Paddy Murphy, Macroom Haulage, John O’Mahony, DAF Truck Sales, Tony Smith DAF Trucks and Donal Dempsey, Fleet Magazine.
THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT 41
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY