Budget 2017: No increase in tax on diesel despite lobbying

Among the few surprises in Budget 2017 was the decision by the Government not to increase excise duty on diesel for cars, despite extensive lobbying by environmental groups, while, at the same time, extending VRT relief of €5,000 on electric vehicles for a further five years.

Both decisions by Minister Michael Noonan were welcomed by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

Describing it as a ‘satisfactory’ budget, Simi president Alan Greene said: “For the motor industry, the good news is that electric vehicle VRT and SEAI grant supports have been extended for five years while those for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have been extended for two.