Ireland's Fossil Fuel Reliance Causes Price Shocks; CCAC Urges EV, Public Transport Investment

Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels for transport exposes it to repeated fuel price shocks due to disrupted global energy markets, the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) warned in its 2026 Annual Review. The CCAC recommends accelerated investment in public transport, active travel, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and grid capacity to mitigate this exposure.

The council stated that temporary emergency responses to fuel price increases were not sufficiently targeted, suggesting support for those most exposed and least able to avoid fuel costs. While welcoming the Government's pilot scrappage scheme for new EVs, the CCAC called for measures to boost EV adoption among lower-income households, especially in car-dependent areas with limited public transport access. Expanded EV charging infrastructure and real-time mapping of charging points are also crucial.

Public transport journeys on the Transport for Ireland network increased by 6% last year compared to 2024, with Local Link journeys up 19%. However, total public transport journeys remained largely unchanged, potentially indicating near-full capacity during peak times. The CCAC emphasized the need for accelerated delivery of projects like DART+ South West, Luas Finglas, and the National Transport Authority's Park and Ride Investment Programme to increase capacity.

CCAC Chairperson Alex White stated that fossil fuel shocks are not isolated incidents and that providing alternatives is key to reducing exposure. He stressed the importance of sustained investment in public transport, a reliable charging network, and grid capacity to support the transition to electric vehicles across all sectors. White also highlighted the need for a fair transition, with targeted support for those most affected by transport fuel costs, particularly lower-income individuals and car-dependent populations lacking practical alternatives.