Ireland urged to target EV subsidies at lower-income households to cut transport emissions

Ireland's Climate Change Advisory Council has released its 2026 transport review, calling for targeted financial measures to boost electric vehicle adoption among lower-income households. The transport sector accounts for 22% of national carbon emissions and 42% of energy demand. The Council warns the sector will exceed its 2026-2030 carbon ceiling without urgent action. The Council recommends modified grants, low-interest loans, or social leasing schemes similar to France's model. It also calls for rapid expansion of public charging infrastructure, noting Ireland trails the EU average. Grid reinforcement is needed to support more chargers, and the new Private Wires Bill could help households without driveways charge on-street. The Council criticizes recent emergency fuel excise cuts as poorly targeted, benefiting higher-income households most. It advises maintaining planned carbon tax increases while ring-fencing revenues for climate action. The report also warns that rising school transport fees risk undermining progress on modal shift away from private cars.