Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
163. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans to provide grant aid to hauliers seeking to convert their fleet to low emission vehicles, including gas, electric, hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58563/22]
View answer165. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the grants that are available for a bus operator to purchase a 100% electric, 70-seater bus; if grants are available for bus operators to install electric charging points; if grants are available for bus operators to operate 100% electric busses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58629/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 165 together.
Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Irish Government. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
To promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, my department launched the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021.The Scheme, which is administered by TII, is intended to help bridge some of the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively fuelled powertrains. To accord with EU State Aid rules, grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the enterprise applying for the grant.
€3m was allocated to this scheme in 2022 and given the excellent response to the initiative, the scheme will continue in 2023 to assist the heavy-duty vehicle sector in its transition to zero-mobility. Details on how to apply are available on the TII website.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is close to final publication which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2025.
Specifically, the Strategy will consider the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) which proposes that Member States expand public recharging capacity in line with zero-emission car sales as well as installing dedicated light and heavy-duty vehicle recharging points at regular intervals (every 60kms) on major highways (TEN-T core and comprehensive network) from 2025 onwards.
AFIR will ensure the rapid and coherent development of an interoperable, wide-spread network of greener refuelling and recharging infrastructure network across the EU. The Government recognises that the provision of sufficient and suitable charging and alternative fuelling facilities is a key enabler of the transition to zero- and low-emission vehicles.
