An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland have asked Leo Varadkar to lend his support to ‘curved cabs’ for new lorries. This comes after a vote in the European Parliament in April. An Taisce believes that curved cabs for lorries needs to be introduced in this country because they’re more aerodynamic, and better for the environment.

Yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament has given the go ahead to a design change for lorry cabs that An Taisce believes “promises to save hundreds of lives and reduce fuel consumption and emissions”. James Nix, the policy director with An Taisce said “The vote marks the beginning of the end for Europe’s brick-shaped lorry cabs, which are dangerous and inefficient. As well as saving lives, curving the cab of trucks will cut diesel consumption – reducing fuel bills and emissions”.

Member states represented in the European Council are expected to negotiate with the Parliament on the introduction of safer lorries, and whether they should be mandatory or optional from 2022. James Nix said that An Taisce hopes that Minister Varadkar “will come down in favour of reform, and that Ireland will be a strong, progressive voice at the European level”.