New car sales increasing as Fianna Fáil scrappage scheme works – Connick

Wexford Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Sean Connick has welcomed the news from the Central Statistics Office that new car sales have increased substantially. This follows the extension of the car scrappage scheme by Fianna Fáil in Government.

“Over a year ago I first raised the issue of the huge drop in car sales with the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan. I felt very strongly that consumers needed to be given an incentive to spend and that the revenue from new cars would be welcomed by the Government.”

“I was concerned at least €1 billion had been lost in tax revenue following the collapse of the new car market which resulted in the loss of around 10,000 jobs in the industry. At least that number of jobs again was under serious threat at that time.”

“The first car scrappage scheme was brought in as part of Budget 2010 and proved to be an almost instant success.”

“In fact the scheme was so successful that it was extended in Budget 2011 for a further six months.”

“Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the number of cars sold last month rose 30pc compared to January 2010.”

“Over 13,600 new private cars were licensed last month, up from just over 10,400 in January 2010.”

“I was interested to see that the Society of Irish Motor Industry think that the bad weather in January may have prevented some people from buy a new car and that they may do so in February or March.”

“The car scrappage scheme was a concrete plan that worked. Fianna Fáil have the real plan to see us through the challenging financial times,” concluded Minister Connick.