To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment her Department has made on the impact that a large-scale electric vehicle rollout in Northern Ireland would have on air pollution levels.

Road transport is a significant contributor to both greenhouse gases and air pollutants, responsible for emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. In terms of the impact on air pollution, whilst electric vehicles do not emit nitrogen oxides, small particle pollution from brake, tyre and road wear is still produced. Therefore, whilst supporting the uptake of electric vehicles, I am encouraging people to walk and cycle whenever possible.

My Department continues to identify, plan and implement measures to promote and enable a shift onto more sustainable modes of transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs who is leading on the development of a long term clean air strategy for Northern Ireland, creating opportunities to identify and implement further measures to improve air quality whilst simultaneously cutting carbon emissions.