Written answers

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will be taking to increase the uptake of hybrid and electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21831/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020, including 10% of transport with this target also being legally binding. In the transport sector, Ireland aims to meet its renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles (EVs) also making a small contribution.  At end 2015, 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources.

The Electric Vehicles Grant Scheme provides grant aid of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery EV (BEV) or Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).  The scheme, which will be kept under review, is continuing this year and an allocation of €5 million has been provided in my Department’s Vote for this purpose. These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs of up to €5,000 that also apply to EVs. Budget 2017 extended VRT reliefs on PHEVs to end 2018 and on BEVs to end 2021.

Increasing numbers of EVs have been registered in Ireland. Since the introduction of the EV Grant Scheme in 2011, the purchase of 2,060 electric vehicles has been supported to date under the scheme to the value of almost €9.7 million.  Almost 75% of the vehicles supported received grant aid since 2015.

In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are co-chairing a Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Task Force involving relevant Government Departments and agencies. The work of this Task Force has been divided into two phases with the first phase focusing solely on EVs.  The topics being examined include the potential for market growth of EVs and policy levers to stimulate this growth. Options under consideration include tax incentives, access to restricted areas and preferential rates for tolls and parking.  Having considered the available options, the Task Force expects to report on an interim basis to Government on the first phase shortly with associated recommendations for decision.

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