A new €10 million pilot scrappage scheme aimed at encouraging motorists to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is set to be introduced by Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien. The initiative is designed to help owners of older, higher-polluting petrol and diesel vehicles make the transition to cleaner transport options.
Under the scheme, motorists who permanently scrap a vehicle that is more than 13 years old will be eligible for a €5,000 scrappage payment. This incentive can be used towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. When combined with the existing Government EV purchase grant of €3,500, buyers could receive total support of up to €8,500.
The funding will be distributed with a strong focus on regional areas. Approximately 65% of the available budget, or €6.5 million, will be reserved for applicants living outside the five major cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The remaining €3.5 million will be available to residents of those cities. The approach reflects the Government’s aim to support people living in areas where public transport options are more limited and where reliance on private cars is generally higher.
The announcement has been welcomed by the motor industry. Emma Mitchell, Operations Director of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), described the initiative as a positive step. She said any additional support measures that encourage EV adoption are beneficial and can help increase public awareness and interest in electric vehicles.
Mitchell also pointed to the success of previous Irish scrappage schemes, including programmes that operated between 1996 and 1997 and again from 2010 to 2011. She expressed hope that the new pilot scheme would be extended beyond its initial period and continue into next year, giving dealers and manufacturers more time to prepare vehicle stock and meet demand.
However, some industry observers questioned the timing of the announcement. Paddy Comyn, Head of Communications for DoneDeal Cars, noted that EV sales in Ireland are already experiencing significant growth, with sales increasing by more than 50% compared to the previous year. Despite this progress, he acknowledged that Ireland still lags behind several European countries in EV adoption and must accelerate uptake to meet climate and emissions reduction targets.
Comyn believes the scheme could be particularly effective in rural counties where petrol and diesel vehicles remain dominant. He said the additional financial support may persuade motorists who have been hesitant about switching to electric vehicles to finally make the move.
