Limerick-based waste management company Mr Binman has secured funding under the Government-backed GRAZE (Green Renewable Agricultural Zero Emissions) Vehicle Grant Scheme, supporting the continued expansion of its low-emission vehicle fleet.
Funded through the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy’s Climate Action Fund, and administered by Gas Networks Ireland, the GRAZE Vehicle Grant Scheme is designed to encourage the uptake of renewable gas in Ireland’s commercial transport sector. The scheme provides up to €10,000 per vehicle and covers up to 40% of the cost difference between diesel and gas-powered commercial HGVs.
The grants will enable Mr Binman to further replace diesel-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with two new, cleaner and lower-emission bio CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles, bringing Mr Binman’s renewable gas trucks total to four, and helping accelerate decarbonisation within Ireland’s freight and transport sector.
The announcement highlights the growing momentum behind renewable BioCNG gas adoption within the transport industry, particularly in sectors where electrification remains challenging.
Speaking about the announcement, Gas Networks Ireland’s Sales Manager David Hanahoe said:
“It’s great to see companies like Mr Binman supported through the GRAZE Vehicle Grant Scheme, as they take meaningful steps toward reducing transport emissions and transitioning to cleaner fuels.
“BioCNG offers a practical and scalable solution for heavy transport operators looking to decarbonise their fleets while maintaining operational efficiency. The continued uptake of renewable gas vehicles across Ireland reflects the increasing confidence in cleaner fuel and highlights the strong appetite within Irish industry for sustainable transport alternatives.”
Mr Binman introduced BioCNG-powered trucks into its operations in March 2024, as part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing emissions and supporting Ireland’s circular economy ambitions.
Up to 100% carbon emissions savings
BioCNG vehicles powered by renewable biomethane gas can reduce carbon emissions by up to 100% compared with traditional diesel vehicles1. Mr Binman estimates its current BioCNG fleet transition is already helping to avoid significant CO₂ emissions annually – up to 145 tonnes of CO₂ - the equivalent of removing over 32 passenger cars from the road2.
Joe Cleary, Sales and Marketing Director at Mr Binman, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Gas Networks Ireland to expand our use of BioCNG vehicles and continue reducing emissions across our fleet. Sustainability is a key priority for Mr Binman and the transition to renewable gas vehicles is helping us lower our carbon footprint while continuing to deliver an excellent service for our more than 60,000 customers across Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Galway, Tipperary, Laois, South Kildare and North Cork.
We already operate fully electric Zero Emission vehicles in our fleet but the introduction of BioCNG vehicles fuel marks an important milestone in the evolution of our Mr Binman fleet.”
Brown bin waste fuelling bin trucks
Mr Binman continues to support circular economy initiatives across its operations through a range of sustainability measures, including supplying organic waste to anaerobic digestion facilities where it can be converted into renewable biomethane, producing Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) from residual waste to support energy recovery, and continuing to improve recycling rates and resource recovery across its business. The company says these initiatives are helping reduce landfill dependency while supporting Ireland’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.
In a practical example of the circular economy in action, organic waste collected from households and businesses can ultimately help fuel the very trucks operating on collection routes across the region.
“What makes BioCNG particularly exciting is that the renewable gas powering these vehicles can ultimately come from the very brown bin waste we collect every day,” Mr Cleary added. “It is a practical example of how waste can be transformed into a valuable renewable energy resource while supporting Ireland’s climate action ambitions.”
The announcement also comes as the recently opened Stream BioEnergy plant in Little Island begins converting brown bin organic waste into renewable biomethane, further strengthening Ireland’s renewable gas infrastructure.
GRAZE grants available
Gas Networks Ireland is encouraging fleet operators nationwide to explore the opportunities available through the GRAZE Vehicle Grant Scheme, which remains open for applications.
The wider GRAZE initiative forms part of Ireland’s national energy security and climate action framework, supporting the rollout of renewable gas infrastructure and the increased adoption of biomethane and BioCNG across the transport sector.
Further information on the GRAZE Vehicle Grant Scheme, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available at www.gasnetworks.ie/grazefund
1 Conversion Factors | SEAI Statistics | SEAI
2 Estimated annual CO₂ savings are based on a collection vehicle travelling approximately 50,000 km per year with average diesel consumption of 35 litres per 100 km
