Car dealers welcome omission of proposed ban on sale of new petrol and diesel cars from Climate Action bill

CORK motor dealers have welcomed the omission of the proposed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 in the Government’s Climate Action bill.

The Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance (ICCRA), which represents the majority of Ireland’s new car dealers, says the proposed ban was open to legal challenge had it proceeded.

Denis Murphy, ICCRA spokesperson stated: “The ban was proposed based on flawed and incomplete data and would also have been illegal under EU law. If the Government is really serious about tackling transport emissions it should encourage motorists to purchase newer cars, which are greener.” ICCRA is calling for an immediate and significant reduction in Ireland’s excessive motor taxation levels in the upcoming budget.

“The Government and the Green Party in particular are ignoring expert advice and evidence on reducing emissions from cars. As recently as last week, the Climate Change Advisory Council, in their annual report¹, highlighted the need for policy to stimulate accelerated new car turnover, stating that current EV targets are optimistic and unlikely to be achieved without it.

“We have also shared an expert independent report by Colm McCarthy, an authoritative economist. It is easy to set targets but difficult to achieve them without a clear strategy based on data and expert opinion.

“Increasing the price of conventional cars through further tax hikes is not going to make Electric Vehicles more affordable or any meaningful difference to emission levels.

“What is required instead is a significant reduction in VRT in the upcoming budget. Ireland has the second highest rate of car taxation in the EU and the second most expensive cars.

“As a consequence, motorists are holding onto their existing older cars for longer, increasing rather than solving our emissions problem. The average new car sold next year will emit 28% less CO2 than the average car currently on Irish roads, so for every car replaced in 2021 with a newer cleaner car, we can achieve significant emission reductions. It would be a win-win for everyone.

“We support the Government’s commitment to address climate change. However, it cannot continue to make populous statements or set targets without a clear strategy grounded in accurate data and expert opinion.”