ICT equipment added to green tax incentive scheme


1 May 2009

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has announced that Information & Communications Technology (ICT) will now fall under the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) tax incentive scheme, as one of four new categories that could benefit firms purchasing energy-efficient equipment.

This new scheme can encourage businesses to buy green office equipment because it will allow them to write the entire cost off against taxable income.

Brian Motherway, head of industry, SEI said: “There are now more than 4,000 products qualifying for these tax incentives and today’s announcement will see this number increase in the coming months.

“In these difficult times, the savings available through purchasing more energy-efficient equipment are very important, and these new tax incentives will make the cost of such equipment more affordable.

“We also welcome the inclusion of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, which is a strong signal of Ireland’s intent to be a global leader in this area,” he added.

Aside from ICT, the remaining three categories are: Heating and Electricity Provision, Process and Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) Control Systems, and Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

The announcement was made at the second day of the Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin, where there was an Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Exhibition from exhibitors including Green Aer, Green Machine, Mitsubishi, Segway and Renault.

Businesses, especially urban-based fleet operators, were also told of the possible 50pc savings in fuel costs they could make by swapping out their existing vehicles for electric models.

By Marie Boran