Darragh O’Brien has hinted there could soon be another scrappage scheme for people hoping to exchange older vehicles for an EV. 

On Wednesday, the Department of Transport launched ICE2EV Pilot Scrappage Scheme, for people with petrol or diesel cars that are at least 13 years old. 

For those accepted onto the scheme, the Department topped up the existing €3,500 EV grant by an additional €5,000. 

The scheme was oversubscribed within hours of opening. 

On The Hard Shoulder, Minister O’Brien said it was “really clear” that it was only a time limited pilot scheme. 

“I'm really pleased that it's fully subscribed and it's going to help 2000 households to change out of older cars into new EVs,” he said. 

“So, I said we would run a pilot scheme; we'd assess its success afterwards and look at where the sales were.” 

Regardless of whether or not there is a second scrappage scheme, Minister O’Brien said the long-term trend favours EV over traditional petrol and diesel models. 

“We've seen already for the first half of this year about an 85% increase in EVs registered versus this time last year,” he explained. 

“So we're touching 250,000 electric vehicles on our roads now. 

“And I think people are responding, yes, to the grant support to €3,500 that's there and in place. 

“I've added more money to that to ensure that grant remains at €3,500 - which it will.” 

Minister O’Brien said that  the ICE2EV Pilot Scrappage Scheme had “been very successful” and hinted that a permanent scheme could soon be announced. 

“We'll have a look at it and then assess what we do next,” he said. 

“But look, the main thing is for people who are listening, there's been a big discussion over the last few weeks about EVs. 

“I think from talking to people and from car dealers as well, there's been a big increase in interest in EVs full stop.

“So, even people who weren't accessing the top up grant scheme, more people buying those cars - and that's a good thing for our climate and it's a good thing for people's pockets.”

Main image: Darragh O'Brien. Picture by: PA Archive/PA Images