Mobility Partnership Ireland (MPI), representing top Irish companies in the shared transport sector, welcomes the Budget 2025 allocation of €3.9 billion for the Department of Transport.
The Budget announcement marks progress towards the National Sustainable Mobility Plan, aiming for 500,000 additional active travel and public transport journeys by 2030. The Budget supports this plan with a daily allocation of €1 million for walking and cycling infrastructure.
The Budget also introduces positive changes, including amendments to VRT rules for battery electric commercial (BEV) vehicles, a BIK exemption for home EV charger installations, and measures to incentivize public transport, such as extending the Young Adult Card for reduced fares for those aged 19 to 25.
A plan for 2027 to redefine the classification of a ‘low emitting’ company car by reducing maximum emission levels for qualification, from 155 grams per km to 140 grams per km, may incentivise businesses offering company cars to their employers, to instead compensate their compute via public transport and shared mobility vehicles, which happens to be more affordable.
While MPI appreciates these incentives, they urge decision-makers to provide more comprehensive support to meet the ambitious goals of the Climate Action Plan, which targets a 51% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. MPI also notes that these measures may not sufficiently address the needs of commuters amid the current cost of living crisis in Ireland.
Budget 2025 allocates €1.36 billion for national and local road networks and road safety measures, with an additional €50 million for regional and local roads to fund climate adaptation measures and improve regional accessibility. MPI calls on the Government to ensure these funds include incentives for shared mobility options, such as e-bike hire, car sharing, rental schemes, and tax-free allowances, which could help shift from private vehicle journeys, especially in regional areas. The benefits include environmental protection, reduced fossil fuel consumption, decreased traffic congestion, and improved air quality for public health.
Serving nearly four million commuters in Ireland, MPI members, including Aircoach, Enterprise Mobility, GoCar, FREENOW, Payzone, Bleeper, Moby, and Toyota Yukõ, are at the forefront of delivering multi-modal, shared mobility solutions while advancing new mobility technologies across Ireland.
