Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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1076. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the conversion of the national fleet of vehicles to electric and renewable fuel sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47009/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the procurement of the bus fleet for PSO services. The procurement of buses for Dublin Bus' and Bus Éireann’s commercial services as well as private bus fleets is a matter for the individual companies.

However, clean and energy efficient vehicles have an important role to play in achieving Ireland's policy objectives of reducing energy consumption and lessening our levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and I am strongly committed to facilitating the uptake of low-emission vehicles and technologies in the public transport sector. Decarbonising transport will require a significant step-change and this is reflected in the recently launched Bus Connects proposal which includes a commitment to transition the bus fleet towards new low-emission vehicle technologies. It is anticipated that by 2023, half of the bus fleet (approximately 500 buses) will be converted to low-emission vehicles, with plans for full conversion by 2030.

My Department has also established a Green Public Transport Fund to support the uptake of low carbon technologies within the public transport sector. This Fund supports the uptake of energy efficient technologies within the public transport sector; specifically to transition the national bus fleet to low emission technology by covering the price differential between the cost of a conventional diesel bus and the cost of an alternatively fuelled vehicle, as well as refuelling infrastructure. Furthermore, the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland was published in May to support the deployment of alternative fuels for transport in Ireland and assist in removing any barriers that exist towards greater uptake of low emissions vehicles (LEVs).

The Deputy will be aware that a series of measures were announced in Budget 2018 that clearly reflect the Government’s determination to promote a low-carbon electric vehicle future. Measures supported include: continuing the current valuable and generous VRT reduction and SEAI purchase grants; introducing a new grant to support installation of home charger points for buyers  of new and second-hand EVs; a new grant to stimulate take-up in the Taxi /Hackney/Limousine (SPSV) sector; a new EV toll incentive regime; a new EV Public Awareness Programme to include driver experience opportunities; public sector and commercial fleet trials allowing public bodies and business to trial EVs; a new Benefit in Kind (BIK) 0% rate to incentivise EVs without mileage conditions as well as rules to ensure that there is no BIK liability associated with recharging EVs in workplaces.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the purchasing of PSO bus fleets, I have referred your letter to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.