James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the potential impact of E10 fuel on vintage vehicles; if E5 petrol will still be available to purchase for the owners of these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.

Through the consultation on the regulations many submissions were received from respondents identifying as classic or vintage car owners/enthusiasts, i.e. 70 submissions or 90% of submissions received on the regulations. Many of these responses supported the introduction of E10, but raised concerns about the need to maintain an E5 petrol grade. While a small number of the responses mentioned safety concerns, the vast majority of responses concerned the need and cost of more frequent vehicle maintenance and cost of replacement parts. It is understood that classic and vintage cars also have a value as a collectors item.

The consultation with industry prior to making the regulations indicated that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland. It would not be feasible to mandate investment by forecourts in Ireland to provide additional refuelling infrastructure for continued supply of E5 when there would be a very small and declining demand for the fuel, and investment plans are focussed on electrification and charging infrastructure.

However, the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supplier from placing an E5 blend of petrol on the market, if sufficient demand exists. After 1 July when the regulations are to be operational E5 supply will not, however, be eligible for renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) certificates.

The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 takes into account the over-riding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing biofuels. Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022).