Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

563. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of all State vehicles that are hybrid or electric; and the way in which this figure compares with 2015 and 2016 and projected targets up to 2020. [42871/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The  information requested by the Deputy is not collected in the format sought; however, the following relevant information has been extracted from the National Vehicle File. As of the 31st of September there were 6,536 vehicles registered under the 'State Owned, Emergency Vehicles and Rescue Vehicles' tax classification. The Deputy should note that this definition potentially omits some state / public vehicles that are not registered under this tax exemption category. Based on this definition, the following table summaries the number of hybrid and fully electric "State Vehicles" registered from 2015.

As the Deputy is aware, to date the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland has been relatively low. There are a range of factors accepted internationally as being barriers to transition to EV technology including limited vehicle choice, range anxiety and low consumer awareness.  This slower than anticipated transition to EVs is not Ireland-specific and does not indicate a lack of ambition or support. Increasing range performances, technology advancements, greater affordability and improved consumer choice will be the greatest levers in triggering large-scale change.

The Government is, of course, very supportive of the transition to EVs.  My Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have jointly convened an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles (LEV) Task Force to consider a full suite of potential measures to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies under a commitment outlined in the "Programme for a Partnership Government". 

It may interest the Deputy to note that as part of Working Group 1 of the LEV Taskforce – chaired by my Department - the role of public sector leadership in encouraging EV uptake is being examined. In this regard, I understand that the National Procurement Service are planning to introduce a new public procurement framework contract for EVs in 2018 which would allow public bodies to purchase EVs with reduced administrative burden.

Working Group 1 is also is examining existing and potential fiscal support measures as well as the development of new incentives. Interim findings and recommendations of the LEV Taskforce relating to Electric Vehicles have been considered in the context of the 2018 budgetary and estimates processes.