Grant scheme to propel shift to alternatively-fuelled heavy duty vehicles

Following pressure from the Irish logistics sector, the government has this week announced the launch of its €2 million Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme.

Welcoming the announcement, Aidan Flynn, General Manager of FTA Ireland (FTAI) is calling for a simple application process and the provision of adequate infrastructure to facilitate takeup.

“The launch of the government’s Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme is an important step forwards in the decarbonisation of the Irish logistics sector. As the leading group representing logistics operators in Ireland, our members tell us they are desperate to switch to lower emission HDVs, but the prohibitive cost of purchasing these vehicles made it impossible for most; this grant will now make the mass adoption of AFHDVs feasible.

“Now, to ensure the greatest uptake, FTAI is urging the government to ensure the application process is simple and grants are easy to access. Our members are also calling for the government to commit to installing the required refuelling infrastructure across the nation; currently, there are only two publicly available compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling sites open to date nationwide.

“And, with many HDVs operated under leasing agreements, the grant must be made available to this group to prevent any delay to the sector’s complete transition to AFHDVs.”

ZERO-EMISSION INDUSTRY

Only last week, Mr Flynn urged that Government to take the lead to bring about the zero-emission charge.

“FTAI’s members also need to see the roll out of the required refuelling infrastructure which has been promised for some time; installation of these refuelling points has been prohibitively slow. If the Irish government is truly committed to transitioning road transport to a zero-emission industry, it must act in a manner that reflects this ambition.

“While the logistics industry is showing great leadership and drive – for example, Gas Networks Ireland just launched its own €2.9m Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Scheme – the government must step up to lead the zero-emission charge.”