Ireland’s first ever hydrogen fuel cell bus being trialled in Ashbourne

Bus Éireann has started a four-week trial of a fuel cell electric bus. The bus will be the first-ever Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) put into public service operation on the island of Ireland and will operate between Ashbourne and Dublin Airport for the duration of the trial.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate and Transport, Darren O'Rourke TD, welcomed the news and said it marks an important milestone in Ireand's transition to greener transport.

"This is an exciting development. It is great that Ashbourne is acting as a test site", said Deputy O'Rourke.

“The technology is cutting edge and promises to make a significant contribution to the climate challenge in Ireland.

“The current trial by Bus Éireann is a first step into the future for Ireland, as we test emerging technologies to try to find practical solutions to allow us to fully decarbonise road transport.

"Hydrogen fuel cells are one potential solution. We have seen significant progress in technology and performance in recent years. This trial will put some of that to the test in an in-service setting.”

O'Rourke went on to say how the zero-emissions bus will run on green hydrogen produced in Dublin by BOC Gases Ireland using renewable electricity and water. He added:

“The fuel cell electric bus is refuelled in minutes, similar to an ordinary bus and its power is generated when the hydrogen molecules from its fuel are combined with oxygen molecules from the air in the fuel cell.

“It is among the best, but not the only, emerging technology which promises to play an important role in a green future.

"We are all very conscious of the environmental challenge we face in meeting our 2050 net-zero emissions targets. We need to find real world solutions to satisfy the needs of different transport users including public transport, haulage, light commercial, taxi and private car. This trial is a positive step in that regard."