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Electric Vehicles

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (100)

Francis Noel Duffy

Ceist:

100. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks his plans to extend grants similar to the SEAI BEV and PHEV grants to electric bikes, scooters and mopeds in view of the fact the SEAI is offering grants of up to €5,000 for a BEV or a PHEV purchased and registered here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21687/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government sets out that in order to achieve our ambitious emission reduction targets, Ireland needs to significantly decarbonise our transport fleet, with a particular focus on cars and light goods vehicles, and, to that end, commits to using a range of policy approaches to incentivise use of electric vehicles and encourage a shift away from petrol/diesel vehicles. As part of the July Jobs Stimulus Plan, the Minister for Finance announced an amendment to the ‘Cycle to Work Scheme’ to increase the allowable expenditure from €1,000 to €1,500 in respect of e-bikes and from €1,000 to €1,250 in respect of bicycles. This amendment has recently been given effect through the Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Act 2020.

The Cycle to Work Scheme has been very effective in encouraging cycling by means of a generous tax subsidy for the purchase, by an employer, of a bicycle or e-bike and associated safety equipment, the cost of which may be spread over up to 12 months. This approach is seen as more beneficial in expanding access to cycling and e-bikes than alternative measures.

At present, a legislative amendment would be required to allow certain e-scooters and other powered person transporters to be used on Irish roads and, as such, would be required in advance of any extension of the Cycle to Work Scheme to cover such vehicles. My Department (the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport) is currently examining the legislative provisions regarding the use of e-scooters on Irish roads.’

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