Row erupts between Shane Ross and Denis Naughten over use of bus lanes by electric cars

A row has erupted between ministers Shane Ross and Denis Naughten over whether electric cars should be allowed use bus lanes, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Both ministers brought a memo to the Cabinet on Tuesday aimed at increasing the numbers of people driving electric cars.

Under the proposals, drivers are to be given free parking in cities, road toll exemptions, and other tax measures as part of measures to convince them to swap existing cars for eco-friendly electric alternatives.

Shane Ross

However, one of the ideas put forward by Mr Naughten’s Department of Energy was allowing electric cars to use bus lanes, but the Irish Examiner has confirmed there is sizeable resistance from Mr Ross’ department to the proposal.

“It has long been the policy view of the department that bus lanes must be for public transport rather than cars, even ones with high energy efficiency and that remains the position,” said a spokesman for Mr Ross.

However, sources close to Mr Naughten are confident they will be able to force a change of heart.

“Ross’s people are against it at the moment but I am confident we can get them to relent on this,” said a senior Government source.

Under environmental protection plans first announced by the previous Fine Gael-Labour coalition in 2014, it was intended up to 50,000 electric cars would be in use in Ireland by 2020. However, that target has since been lowered on foot of the limited take-up, so far, of electric cars.

Denis Naughten

The move was part of a series of measures to help Ireland bring down its pollution levels, and has seen the vehicles become high-profile additions in Dublin, Cork, and other cities.

However, despite the environmental benefits of replacing petrol-based vehicles with electric alternatives, almost three years on just 1,700 are available in Ireland.

A new taskforce will be set up within weeks to consider new financial incentives for electric car drivers.

While the exact benefits on offer will not be agreed until the taskforce completes its work, several Government sources confirmed it is likely to exempt electric car drivers from road tolls. Free parking in city centres and other tax initiatives may also be considered in a bid to convince the public to take up the new technology despite falling oil prices.

Mr Naughten is keen to sell the idea of electric cars to city dwellers as short runs are ideal for such cars, which still have limited range before needing to be charged.