Labour welcomes EV support but says more action needed
Labour welcomes EV support but says more action needed - The Labour Party
Labour climate spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has welcomed Government’s decision to introduce an €8,500 electric vehicle scrappage scheme, saying it reflects proposals by Labour to support rural drivers and accelerate Ireland’s transition to cleaner transport.
Deputy Ahern said:
“I warmly welcome this announcement. Labour has consistently called for a targeted scrappage scheme alongside measures that recognise the reality facing people living in rural Ireland. The decision to ring-fence the majority of funding for rural communities is particularly important. This scheme acknowledges that reality and represents a positive step towards a fairer transition.
“Electric vehicles can significantly reduce household transport costs while helping Ireland meet its climate obligations. However, affordability remains one of the biggest barriers. The upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle remains beyond the reach of many working families. That is why Labour has argued that Government support must focus on those who need it most and ensure that the benefits of cleaner transport are available to everyone, not just those on higher incomes.
“As we continue to invest public money in the transition to cleaner transport and home energy, Government should also begin moving towards income-based eligibility for future SEAI grants. Public funding should be targeted at households who would otherwise struggle to make these investments, ensuring that the transition is both fair and effective.
“We also need to continue investing in public transport, active travel and safer walking and cycling infrastructure. Meeting our climate targets will require a range of solutions. Electric vehicles are a vital part of that mix, particularly for rural Ireland, but they must sit alongside ambitious investment in sustainable transport options. Replacing petrol and diesel cars with EVs is a welcome ambition, but only the continued investment in and expansion of our public transport networks will deal with quality of life issues like the huge amount of traffic on our roads.
“Labour has long argued that climate action must be fair, practical and affordable. This scheme is welcome, but Government must now commit to expanding the programme if demand is strong, continue reducing the cost of electric vehicles. We need to see a commensurate improvement in the grants available to households for EV chargers, as well as a massive expansion of our public charging infrastructure which is lagging significantly behind our European neighbours. We need a just transition that works for workers, families and rural communities alike.”