FLEETS have a duty to choose fuels which are efficient and environmentally sound, according to Public Services Minister Peter Kilfoyle. Speaking at the launch of the Government's initiative to replace its car fleet with CNG and LPG vehicles, Kilfoyle said he hoped both private and public sector fleets would follow the Government's lead.

He said that such a move could have an enormous impact, particularly in urban areas where pollution was a growing concern. 'We hope other fleets in the public and private sector get the message that it is incumbent on all of us to look at alternative fuels and clean burn technologies to see what is best in terms of efficiency and environmental impact,' he said.

Kilfoyle's comments came amid growing calls by vehicle manufacturers for the Government to introduce wider incentives to encourage the use of alternatively-fuelled vehicles. He said that although more steps may be taken in the future, much had already been done to make conversion a viable option for fleets.