Since January 2018, my Department is responsible for motor tax policy and will explore possible measures to incentivise the upgrading of the national goods fleet. Among the options to be examined is amending the commercial motor tax system to reduce the tax burden for newer, cleaner HGVs with lower emissions, taking into account the Euro class engine rating of the vehicle in order to apply lower tax rates for cleaner engines.
My Department continues to keep under consideration the various measures, including vehicle fleet measures, that can reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from transport.
Retrofitting of heavy duty vehicles can play an important role, particularly with regard to air pollutants. However, a balance must be struck, by fleet procurers/owners and the Exchequer, between focusing resources on securing the best new technology in the vehicles entering the fleet and the cost-benefit ratio of investment in existing fleet vehicles - which is often dependent on the useful life remaining for that vehicle.
Issues relating to the Triple E Register and Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are matters for my colleagues the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Finance.
