Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the emergence of electric cars here; his policy on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46787/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020 and to that end all relevant Departments and Agencies are working intensively to position Ireland at the forefront of electric vehicle deployment. The Minister for Finance has confirmed in Budget 2010 the Government's commitment to encourage the increased use of environmentally friendly electric cars and related technology development. To that end the VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles are being extended until end 2012. The Government will also provide support to offset the initial battery costs for electric vehicles.

The Inter Departmental/Inter Agency Taskforce chaired by my Department is working on the costed options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the cost effective deployment of electric vehicles on a national basis. ESB Networks is already developing a programme for infrastructure roll out with the first installations due in 6 months. Global developments will be factored in as the technologies mature. In addition to the Memorandum of Understanding on vehicle deployment already agreed with Renault and Nissan, Memoranda of Understanding are being developed with other car manufacturers.

It is increasingly clear that the electrification of transport will accelerate over the coming years with positive impacts in terms of reducing transport related emissions and security of energy supply. In that context I have welcomed the commitment of the incoming Spanish Presidency of the EU, to include electric vehicles among its priorities and will be working with my EU colleagues to progress that agenda next year.