Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will provide the Deputy with some more information. The trial compared 15 different bus models of different technology types across a range of parameters. Fully electric, hybrid electric and compressed natural biogas models were tested alongside two exhaust-retrofitted diesel buses. The buses were assessed for CO2 and air pollutant emissions, energy efficiency, cost and infrastructure requirements. Trials ran from December 2018 to April 2019 in Dublin and Cork. The two primary objectives of the trials were to implement a method of testing which would be repeatable and would provide a fair means of comparing different technologies. The findings of the trials have taken us a considerable way towards clarifying our longer-term trajectory for low emission buses, with electrification identified as the preferred technology. It is important to note that bus procurement is complex. While reducing carbon and pollutant emissions is a key priority for this Government, a range of factors must also be considered when determining the most appropriate alternative to diesel buses.

We did keep our promise about July. The Deputy should not say we did not.

The buses bought before that time were low-emissions diesel vehicles.

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