The Rural Independent group of TDs are calling on the government to abandon policy proposals which would force Irish people to buy expensive electric cars. The technical Dáil Group led by Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath says the plan is totally flawed. The Government target is to have 1,000,000 Electric cars on Irish roads by 2030 as part of a plan to reduce emissions. The plan is impossible for several reasons according to Mattie McGrath.
He cited delays in manufacturing and distribution of EVs, the current supply issues for electricity, the cost of new EV relative to any second hand petrol or diesel vehicle and the lack of EV charging facilities. The Tipperary TD also criticised the plan which he said amounted to the poorest being asked to fund infrastructure for the richest people in society. Deputy McGrath also objects to the plan saying it is an attack on the liveability of rural and regional communities where a car is essential. Concluding his remarks Deputy McGrath questioned the basis for the policy saying it was aligned with government’s urbanisation policy and revealed the extent of the lobbying influence of what he called “the corporate elites.”
