Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
271. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport if he will require petrol/diesel cars that are being scrapped under the ICE2EV scheme to have a valid NCT certificate; if so, the logic for this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45011/26]
View answerThe new ICE2EV scrappage scheme is a demand-led and capped pilot scheme. It is intended to address a specific and persistent emissions challenge within the private car fleet: the continued operation of older, highly polluting ICE vehicles.
Eligible applicants can receive €5,000 for the permanent removal of a qualifying ICE vehicle registered in 2013 or earlier. The payment must be used towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. It is additional to the existing €3,500 EV grant administered by the SEAI, bringing total available support up to €8,500 per vehicle.
Applicants must demonstrate on the date of application that the ICE vehicle:
• has been registered in their name within the State for at least 12 months prior to the application;
• holds a valid NCT certificate, or one expired by no more than six months;
• has been taxed and insured for road use during the six months prior to the application.
The requirement for a valid NCT along with tax, insurance and ownership criteria, is intended to ensure the scheme targets vehicles that are currently in active use, supporting the replacement of higher-emitting cars with lower-emission alternatives. The inclusion of a six-month grace period for expired NCT certificates reflects an effort to provide a degree of flexibility, recognising that practical issues such as test scheduling or delays may arise.
The pilot scheme will be reviewed to assess its overall impact and the effectiveness of scrappage as a policy tool.
