Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a fuel (details supplied) will be made available for small engine power tools and classic and vintage vehicles, similar to that provided in other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulations which establishes a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023 and these will be fully operational by 1 July. 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.

Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet as Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022). 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.

In making these regulations while I have noted the concerns of the vintage/classic car community on the move to E10, the experience from those jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period of time has not indicated issues of damage to vehicles as a result. Recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 70s. The AA have also recently issued guidance through their website assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance and use of some older vehicles and equipment which you may find informative.

With regards continued availability of E5 in Ireland, 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. The new regulations just mean that from 1 July, E5 supply will not be eligible for renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) certificates. From consultation with industry it is evident that the vast majority of major suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland.

My Department is continuing to run an E10 public information and awareness campaign through advertising and the gov.ie/E10website continues to be the main point of reference for further information.

The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy.