Panda’s new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Cappagh, Dublin 11, developed in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, brings the number of CNG stations in Ireland to 12.
The opening also marks the official launch of the GRAZE (Green Renewable Agricultural Zero Emissions) Vehicle Grant Scheme – a government-funded initiative administered by Gas Networks Ireland to support the transition of Ireland’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet to CNG – a cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternative to diesel.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “Ireland’s transport sector is a cornerstone of our economy and we are committed to ensuring that the transition to decarbonisation is both effective and supportive. While passenger cars are increasingly shifting to electric, the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector requires alternative low emission fuels where electrification is not a viable solution.
“Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and renewable biomethane (BioCNG) offer a practical and scalable pathway to reducing emissions in this space. We now have more than 170 gas-powered HGVs on Irish roads, with demand rising— gas usage by HGVs increased by over 90 per cent in the past year alone.
“This growth signals a clear shift towards cleaner freight transport, and I warmly welcome the increasing demand, the infrastructure investment and the launch of the CNG GRAZE grant scheme, which will support more businesses in making the switch.”
It is Panda’s second public station in Dublin, following the opening of its Ballymount site earlier this year.
The GRAZE €750,000 grant scheme offers significant financial support to fleet operators switching to gas powered HGVs and will provide up to €10,000 per vehicle, covering up to 40% of the cost difference between a diesel and a gas fuelled commercial HGV. A total of 75 grants will be available under the first phase of the scheme.
