The car scrappage scheme comes to an end today, with the motor industry saying it was a lifeline for the sector.
The scheme was introduced in December 2009, by which time car sales had fallen by 60% and around 10,000 jobs in the industry had been lost.
Up to the end of last month 26,632 cars were sold under the scrappage deal and it had cost the Exchequer €37.6m.
The motor industry said the scheme yielded over €100m for the State in VAT and VRT, even after discounts were applied.
Under the scheme car buyers were entitled to a VRT discount (€1,500 last year or €1,250 this year) on the purchase of a new car, with carbon emissions 140g/km or under, when trading in a car ten years or older. Many car dealerships added further discounts.
The first scrappage scheme was run in Ireland from July 1995 until the end of 1997, when up to 65,000 additional new cars were sold.
Those availing of the scrappage deal must have a certificate, with a date no later than today to say their car has been destroyed.
