Reduce Your Use

We can all see how political conflict is affecting energy supply and prices across Europe.

By reducing our use of transport fuel, we can save money, lessen the impact of the energy crisis and help deliver on our climate ambitions. Small changes can make a big difference.

Some recent supports to help those most affected by rising fuel costs in the transport sector are as follows:

• from 9 May, a 20% reduction on all PSO public transport fares as well as a 50% reduction in public transport fares for 19 to 23 year olds with new a Young Adult Travel Card
• on 10 March 2022, to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices, the government introduced VAT inclusive excise duty reductions of 15 cent per litre of diesel and 20 cent per litre on petrol. A further reduction of 1 cent per litre (VAT inclusive) applied from 1 April 2022 to offset the impact of anticipated increased prices as a result of the increase in the Biofuel Obligation Scheme administered by Minister for Transport and Environment, Climate and Communications. These reductions were due to expire on 12 October 2022 but in recognition of continuing elevated costs these measures were extended out in Budget 2023 to 28 February 2023
• the Revenue Diesel Rebate Scheme (‘DRS’) has been in place since 2013 and remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided
• the rising cost of fuel was further recognised by the government in Budget 2023 through the reduction of the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) Levy to zero. The reduction of the NORA levy, which had been collected at a rate of 2 cent per litre, will help offset the carbon tax increase of just over 2 cent which took effect on 12 October, meaning that the price of fuel will not go up as a result of taxes or levies
• continuation of temporary supports for certain commercial bus operators
• €15 million in grants to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles
• up to €10,000 in supports to purchase a private EV, along with benefits of lower motor tax rates, lower tolls and reduced fuel costs. EVs are more than 70% cheaper to run than diesel or petrol cars

On top of the direct cost saving supports outlined above, in line with the Department of Transport’s new National Sustainable Mobility Policy, Government is making it easier for people to choose sustainable transport options – walking, cycling and public transport – through a number of initiatives including:

• €360 million in annual funding for walking and cycling infrastructure
• commencing the delivery of the BusConnects programmes in our five cities
• expanded public transport services, including in regional and rural areas, under the Connecting Ireland programme
• Bike to Work scheme
• Smarter Travel Workplaces

If possible, Reduce Your Use of the car:

• make a small change. Switch one journey
• if your trip is less than 2km, can you walk or cycle? Of all journeys under 2km, 57% are made by car
• consider public transport. Reduced fares are now in place
• could you reduce your weekly car journeys by 20%? Could you switch part of your journeys to public transport? What about park and ride?

If you have to drive, reduce your fuel costs:

• plan your weekly travel – can you do the same tasks over fewer journeys?
• drive smoothly – avoid heavy braking and acceleration
• Maintain your vehicle – pump your tyres, avoid carrying heavy items in the boot, remove roof boxes when not in use
• reduce your speed on long journeys

If you are in the market for a new car, consider an electric vehicle. Government is investing €100 million in charging infrastructure over the next 3 years.