Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2026
30. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport given that the electric vehicle scrappage pilot scheme was fully subscribed within minutes of opening for applications, the plans his Department has to introduce a permanent or expanded scrappage scheme; when such a scheme is expected to be put in place in light of the significant demand demonstrated by the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICE2EV Pilot Scheme, which launched on July 1st, has committed the available €17M in funding, comprising of €10M for the scrappage grant and €7M for the EV purchase grant.
Approximately 2,000 successful applications were processed within 75 minutes of the scheme opening, supporting the replacement of around 2,000 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles. While strong demand was anticipated, the level of interest exceeded expectations.
65% of the funding for this scheme was allocated to rural applicants and 35% to urban applicants, based on Central Statistics Office Census 2022 definitions. The rural allocation was exhausted within approximately 30 minutes, demonstrating that, in the right financial conditions, rural drivers are keen to make the switch to electric.
The high level of interest demonstrated in the scheme is welcome and reflects growing consumer engagement with the transition to electric vehicles. This momentum supports Ireland’s Climate Action ambitions, including the target for 30% of the national vehicle fleet to be electric by 2030.
The policy purpose of this capped initiative was to test the effectiveness of scrappage as a tool to stimulate EV uptake among those who may not otherwise transition in the near term, with the ultimate goal of delivering additional emissions reductions necessary for our climate targets.
A detailed review of the pilot scheme will now be undertaken to examine uptake, emissions impact, and overall value for money, to inform any future policy decisions in this area. No decision has been made at this time regarding the introduction of a permanent or expanded scrappage scheme. Any future iterations of this pilot scheme will be subject to the outcomes of the above review, and wider budgetary considerations.
