Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
518. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make electric vehicle car usage easier by providing free parking, access to bus lanes, removal of purchase taxes, lower road tax rates or removal of value added tax on leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/16]
View answerPolicy regarding the promotion of electric vehicles lies within the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources (DCCNR). Good progress has been made in creating the best environment for promoting the penetration of EVs into the market in Ireland. A grant support scheme for EV consumers has been in place since 2011 whereby the consumer receives up to €5,000 off the cost price of the vehicle. In addition, EVs are also treated favourably under our motor tax system and qualify for VRT reliefs of up to €5,000.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment that Ireland become a leader in the take-up of electric vehicles, DCCNR have been tasked with establishing a taskforce involving relevant government departments, agencies, industry and representative groups, to work on this goal and to set ambitious and achievable targets. The Task Force will examine various measures including, I expect, those proposed by the Deputy to make electric car use easier and more attractive. My Department anticipates that it will co-chair this task force and continue to work closely with DCCNR to promote electric car use.
