Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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263. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recommendation from an organisation (details supplied) to increase the uptake of battery electric vehicles, by introducing grants of up to €10,000 for lower income households, particularly in areas with limited access to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34109/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.

There is a suite of incentives in place from Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, including:

•     A purchase grant for battery electric vehicles (BEVs);

•     A Home Charger purchase grant scheme;

•     VRT relief of up to €5,000 for the purchase of BEVs;

•     The eSPSV grant scheme for taxi drivers to make the switch to an EV, including wheelchair accessible vehicles;

•     ZEHDV grant scheme – a grant for HDVs to bridge the gap between a low emission vehicle and a fossil fuel vehicle; and

•     Low rate of annual motor tax.

As detailed in the new programme for Government, I am examining the current EV grant system and the introduction of additional incentives with a view to increasing take-up of EVs and replacing older, polluting vehicles. However, it should be noted that decisions on financial incentives, including EV grants, must be taken in the context of overall financial sustainability and greatest impact.

Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We will continue to take a balanced approach, ensuring that our incentives and policy measures are both ambitious and deliverable within our current environment.