Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

163. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allow for a VAT exemption on the purchase of new buses for deployment in passenger transport given the overarching benefits to decarbonising the national fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

164. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a shortage of the availability of buses in Ireland; if he will introduce a scheme where vehicles can be imported from the UK for a defined period, with no duty applying to the imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17511/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.

The first order of 100 double deck electric buses for the Dublin network was placed in 2022 and all were delivered by the end of last year. Following the installation of charging infrastructure in Summerhill and Phibsboro bus depots in Dublin circa 40 of these buses are available for service and the remainder will enter service on an incremental basis in the coming months.

In January 2023, the transformation of the Athlone town bus service into Ireland’s first 100% zero-emission town bus service was completed, with the introduction of 11 brand new, state-of-the-art single-deck battery-electric buses.

In April 2024, the first phase of depot electrification to support the transition of Limerick city services to operation by zero-emission buses began and the first 34 double-deck battery-electric buses are entering service in the city.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.