Motoring groups give mixed reaction

MOTORING organisations have given a mixed reaction to yesterday’s Budget as drivers face increases in the cost of motor insurance and diesel but not petrol, while car dealers were also granted some VAT relief on the sale of second-hand cars.

However, they also expressed disappointment that the Government had failed to support their demand for a new scrappage scheme to assist a sector that has seen a 65% reduction in new car sales this year.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) voiced regret that a major opportunity to generate extra revenue for the state and stall large-scale job losses in the industry had been missed.