Saying the public has shown great interest in an incentive scheme to withdraw old high-emissions vehicle, the transport ministry on Tuesday announced the number of applications submitted by Monday, end of phase one of its incentive scheme to promote a transition to greener transport.

It said that from December 6 to 20, a total of 3,145 applications were submitted, of which 2,973 were from people wishing to replace their own vehicles with a new private one emitting less than 50g/km CO2 and 16 for a new taxi emitting less than 50g/km CO2.

Another 25 concerned a new vehicle for disabled people emitting less than 50g/km CO2, for which the subsidy is €10,000, the same amount granted for a purchase of a car for large families, for which the government has received 63 applications.

Finally, 51 applications were made for the replacement of an old vehicle and its replacement with a new electric bicycle and 17 for the replacement of an old vehicle in exchange for free tickets on regular bus lines.

The ministry said that sums between €7,500 and €12,000 will be made available to scrap an old vehicle and replace it with a new one.

Examination of applications will begin immediately and approved applicants will be notified. Once pre-approval has been given, beneficiaries will have two months to submit proof they have ordered a new vehicle and 12 months to register it. The grant will be given on registration of the vehicle, within 12 months of the pre-approval.