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Irish Independent
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Irish drivers spend average of €10,373 to keep their car on road each year
From maintenance and depreciation to fuel and parking, the cost of running a car is now approximately €864 per month or €28 per day. Analysis conducted by an insurance company used Ireland's most popular car as a benchmark – the Hyundai Tucson. The research by Outsurance found that the highest cost comes from depreciation, as a 2024 Hyundai Tucson valued at €40,000 will have depreciated by approximately €6,274 over this year, based on standard valuation tools. One of the key factors driving the cost of car ownership for most drivers is fuel, especially amid ongoing price fluctuations, the insurance company said. Fuel costs €10.40 per 100km at a price of €1.76 per litre for petrol, or €8.60 per 100km based on a cost of €1.68 per litre for diesel as of July 2025, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. For a 1.6-litre Hyundai Tucson travelling 15,000km annually, this equates to approximately €1,560 a year, the study said. Annual upkeep, from regular servicing at €249 to unforeseen costs, such as replacing tyres, and general maintenance like car washes, totals €736 per year on average, the company said. Insurance is the next big cost for motorists, with the average car insurance premium in Ireland sitting at €616, according to the Central Bank's 2024 national claims information database. Parking costs across the country range from €1.20 to €5 per hour, depending on the location, the study said. It comes as the average motorist can pay for parking for around 156 hours in a year, equating to €484 annually. Motor tax costs depend on vehicle emissions, but with a range of 141-187g/km for the Hyundai Tucson, motor tax is estimated at €435 annually. Frequent motorway users will spend approximately €208 on tolls, assuming 80 trips at an average cost of €2.60 each. With toll costs ranging from €1.70 to €3.50, depending on when a driver is travelling and which toll road they use, motorists could pay at least the average of €208 annually. The routine NCT is a legal requirement, and another cost for the drivers. With a price of €60 per test, most cars under 10 years old are tested every two years, averaging €30 per annum, while retests incur a €40 fee if needed. Outsurance chief marketing officer Ian Kennedy said the 'unforeseen costs of car ownership often catch people off guard'. "While most motorists factor in fuel and insurance, many overlook the expenses that can significantly add up, like a new set of tires and tolls,' he said. "Costs that haven't been budgeted for can be tricky to deal with, considering the impact of inflation on people's purchasing power,' he added.
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Mayo records sharp increase in electric car registrations
Between January and May this year, 127 electric vehicles were registered in Mayo, up from the 88 registered on the same period in 2024. This gives the county just over a 1pc share of all the electric vehicles registered in Ireland between January and May this year. In Mayo, 1,358 new vehicles were registered between January and May of this year, a 6.18pc increase on the 1,279 registered last year. Petrol cars remain the most popular engine type, accounting for 27.60pc of the market, followed by hybrid (petrol electric) at 23.09pc, diesel at 17.42pc, electric at 15.63pc, and plug-in electric hybrid at 14.64pc. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said that private consumers continue to account for the majority of EV sales. 'While we are now on schedule to reach the interim Climate Action Plan target of 175,000 electric cars (EV & PHEV) by the end of this year, as highlighted by the EPA recently, we need to do more to accelerate the growth in EV sales between now and the end of the decade. In this context, Government initiatives and supports will be vital' he said. Grants of up to €3,500 are available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for purchasing for privately purchased battery electric vehicles. Approved electric vehicles with a full price of more than €60,000 and less than €14,000 are not eligible for grants.
The Journal
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Strike while the weather is hot! Get 20% off your gas boiler service when you book now
IT'S EASY TO forget your gas boiler maintenance when temperatures rise. That's why summer is the perfect time to beat the winter rush and make sure your boiler is ready to do its job when the season changes. Another reason to book your gas boiler service right now? Bord Gáis Energy is offering a 20% discount for a limited time. Why is a boiler service so important? The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recommends a professional gas boiler service once a year in order to 'make it run more efficiently, improve safety, and reduce fuel consumption by 10%'. But a professional boiler service isn't just an important efficiency boost that can save you up to 10% on your energy costs. It's also a critical safety check that reduces the risk of breakdown and carbon monoxide emissions. That's because appliances that burn natural gas can create carbon monoxide if they're not working properly. Your engineer will check for this. Advertisement Bord Gáis Energy is one of the most trusted names in the business. This year alone, Bord Gáis Energy's engineers have already visited more than 60,000 Irish boilers to carry out their 19-check service and safety check. And no, you don't need to be a Bord Gáis Energy gas customer to book a service. What's included in a professional boiler service? A professional gas boiler service, like the one you'll get from Bord Gáis Energy, involves as many as 19 separate checks, which is why it's essential to ensure your engineer is registered with the Registered Gas Installers (RGI) of Ireland. These checks include electrical safety tests and checks on components, temperature control, and burner pressure and elements specific to your boiler type. The engineer will also check your carbon monoxide detector. Afterwards, you'll be given an RGI Compliance Certificate. To find out more about the range of gas boiler care services from Bord Gáis Energy, visit this page . Book online today for 20% off a gas boiler service, offer ends 30 June.
Irish Examiner
31-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Solar continues to power growth in the renewable industry both domestically and worldwide
The Irish solar energy market has bolstered the renewable energy sector, which has otherwise been mired by planning delays and economic volatility in recent years, and the momentum is set to continue during 2025. Solar prices are expected to decrease by another 25% this year, while battery innovations transform energy storage possibilities, according to analysis from PwC. Solar has become a go-to climate action measure for both industry and households to save costs and be more sustainable as the minimum cost for PV systems comes to around €7,000 while grants cut the cost further. Despite growing demand for solar, the Irish market has proven to be a difficult one for developers as it offers among the highest developer risk profiles and longest development timelines of any territory, PwC found. This is reflected in auction prices around €104/MWh — significantly higher than European averages of €60-70/MWh. Under the current circumstances, Ireland risks missing its 2030 solar PV climate target of 8 GW by up to 2.9 GW, according to a report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Ireland surpassed 1GW of solar generation connected to the grid for the first time last year and A&L Goodbody, a corporate law firm, said it expects solar generation to 'continue to expand rapidly with over 959 MW of solar projects successfully receiving offers' in the Government's fourth Renewable Energy Support Scheme (Ress) auction RESS 4. This would represent over 70% of the total offer quantity in that latest round. Meanwhile, Clonfad Solar Farm, expected to be the largest solar farm in Ireland, is currently under construction in Co. Westmeath. The project is led by Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, Statkraft, and has a potential capacity of 175 MW when operational. The development will consist of 300,000 solar panels and will create more than 250 jobs during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project. Another European renewable industry titan, Ørsted, began construction of the first phase of its first Irish solar farm last year. Garreenleen Solar Farm is located just outside Carlow town and has the potential to power more than 29,000 homes with clean energy through 81 MW capacity. Phase 1 is set to become operational in 2026. Ørsted currently operates 378 MW of onshore wind across the island of Ireland, producing enough green power for over 246,000 homes. Ørsted's Irish headquarters are based in Cork City, where it employs over 100 people. Elsewhere, Power Capital Renewable Energy's Lysaghtstown Solar Farm in Cork is also under construction. The project has the capacity for 131 MW and is set to be operational this year. Separately, Cork is set to see a significant jump in solar capacity, as several new farms are planned for this year. In one example, a 100 MW solar farm is set to be the largest in the region, according to Irish Wind, a firm that specialises in wind turbine and solar PV installations. This promised solar farm is set to provide power to thousands of homes and boost Cork as a major economic hub. However, solar development in Ireland goes hand-in-hand with battery storage systems. Ireland only gets so much sunlight throughout the year. Ireland hit a new high for the level of energy produced by solar power in March, according to EirGrid. Without battery storage systems in place though, excess green energy produced on months like these will be lost. Rob Costello, partner, PwC. Further analysis from PwC partner Rob Costello signalled battery storage developers 'initially found Ireland's clear regulatory framework attractive,' with companies like Hanwha Energy Corporation investing over €300m. 'However, recent changes to market support mechanisms have created uncertainty around revenue streams, challenging project bankability,' he said. One solution to the battery storage issue could be the use of so-called hybrids. The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities' (CRU) second Hybrids Consultation closed in April and a successful outcome will allow onshore technologies to co-locate behind a single connection point. Hybrids enable storage of surplus solar energy for use during peak demand periods, or to complement daytime solar with nighttime wind generation, according to the Irish Solar Energy Association. 'This extends availability of renewable electricity and reduces dependency on fossil-fuel-based backup power,' said the organisation. Energy Storage Ireland currently estimates that there are 5.2 GW of operational wind and solar that could incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and extend the availability of renewable electricity. While other sources of renewable energy including onshore and offshore wind continue to decarbonise electricity supply in Ireland, it has become a laborious process to get these major projects off the ground. Wind energy developers have been severely impacted by chronic planning shortages and 'not-in-my-backyard' or NIMBY rejections. However, solar continues to attract customers, likely driven by factors such as cost and easier installation. Solar power has become the 'engine of the global energy transition,' according to a major report by not-for-profit think tank Ember. Clean power surpassed 40% of global electricity generation last year as renewables, solar in particular, witnessed record growth, the report found. The report showed solar generation has maintained its high growth rate, doubling in the last three years, and adding more electricity than any other source over that period while demand continued to soar. Surging demand for electricity was fuelled by the Tech industry, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, data centres, electric vehicles and heat pumps. This consumption outpaced the generation of clean electricity last year. The report also found that the main reason why electricity demand growth was elevated in 2024 compared to 2023 was an increase in air conditioning use during heatwaves, as climate change continues to create unmanageable weather. 'Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we're very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025,' said Phil MacDonald, Ember managing director. 'The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand. It's clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed,' he said. Global solar power capacity reached 1 TW in 2022 after decades of growth, but reached 2 TW only two years later, in 2024.
The Journal
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Journal
Transport emissions down slightly as ‘over-reliance' on private vehicles ‘erodes progress'
TRANSPORT EMISSIONS WERE down slightly last year as an 'over-reliance on private vehicles continues to erode progress'. That's according to an interim report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) which provides data on Ireland's energy use last year and how it was produced. The SEAI is Ireland's national sustainable energy authority. The interim report for 2024 found that transport emissions were down by just 1.2% year-on-year, despite 'significant' advancements in biofuel blending and progress in switching to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The SEAI warned that an 'over-reliance on private vehicles continues to erode this progress'. Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights cautioned that Ireland needs to 'reduce our reliance on private vehicles' to reach our climate commitments. The SEAI warned last year that Ireland is unlikely to meet its climate obligations, even under the 'most optimistic scenario'. The Government's Climate Action Plan aims to halve Ireland's emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by no later than 2050. Ireland is also obliged to contribute to EU level targets contained within the EU Climate and Energy Framework. If Ireland falls short of its commitments to its EU targets for 2030, or any interim targets, there may be a requirement to pay compliance costs or implement mandated additional measures to close the gap. A recent report found that Ireland could face 'staggering' costs of between €8 billion and €26 billion f it misses these legally binding climate targets. 'The longer we wait to take meaningful action, the harder it will be to achieve our climate commitments,' said McCarthy. Elsewhere, Ireland's energy related emissions hit its lowest level in over 30 years, falling a further 1.3% last year. Advertisement This marks an overall decrease of 11% since carbon emissions targets were introduced in 2021 and the third consecutive year with an emissions reduction. The drop in emissions comes despite an increase in overall energy use, which grew by 2.3% last year. Increased use of bioenergy and technologies, such as solar and heat-pumps, meant that renewable energy supplied 14.5% of Ireland's energy requirements last year, a slight increase on 2023's figure of 14%. The SEAI also estimated that emissions from the electricity sector were down by 7.5% on 2023 figures. And while renewable energy capacity increased last year, renewables supplied a slightly lower share of Ireland's electricity than in 2023. The SEAI said this is due to an increase in electricity demand outpacing the increase in renewable generation, as well as grid constraints and lower wind outputs. The top three sources of electricity in Ireland last year were again natural gas (42.1%), wind (31.7%), and net-imports from interconnectors (14%). McCarthy noted that the 'changes we are making are going in the right direction' and that last year saw record levels of solar PV generation and heat pumps and further growth in overall renewable energy share. However, she cautioned that Ireland's ability to 'meaningfully grow the renewable energy share of generation' is 'challenged' by increased energy demand. 'The data shows two clear messages – if we are to meet our targets, we have no time to wait, we need to accelerate our deployment of renewable energy technologies and we have to make wise decisions on energy demand growth,' said McCarthy. She called for Ireland to continue investing in renewable technologies and interconnectors and to retrofit housing and public building stock. 'We must continue to move to more active and public transport options where possible,' she added. McCarthy said that meeting climate commitments 'will require a collective commitment' and that 'driving and supporting climate action at a national and local level is needed'. 'As individuals, we need to embrace renewable technologies and energy efficiency efforts, reduce our reliance on private vehicles and think more about how we are using our heat and electricity. 'On a policy level, we need to grow investment in renewable and grid technologies to increase our renewable energy outputs.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
