Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
109. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the amount in funding that was utilised under the public charge point scheme; the number of councils that applied; the number of points installed under the same scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/24]
View answerThe Public Charge Point Scheme, administered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of the Department of Transport, sought to incentivise the rollout of public EV charging by Local Authorities.
While originally intended to provide for the rollout of a number of chargers at specific sites, the scheme was unfortunately not well engaged with by Local Authorities as it was not considered sufficient to meet the rapidly expanding demand for EV charging, as well as the fast development of charging technology which has led to a preference now for higher-powered infrastructure.
To address the challenges which led to the underperformance of the Public Points Scheme, ZEVI has developed a new Local and Regional EV Charging Network Plan which is planned for publication in May. Rather than the single project approach in the Public Points scheme, the new network plan will take a holistic partnership approach, with Local Authorities working both together and with ZEVI to develop bespoke strategies on a regional and local basis to truly reflect the EV charging requirements across their county areas while addressing local needs.
Each region will be led by a nominated lead Local Authority and will be supported by ZEVI to develop EV Infrastructure Strategies and Implementation plans in partnership with the public/private sector and Charge point operators. The focus of the EV Strategy and implementation plans will be to install EV infrastructure to a the right location for the right purpose to meet user needs and stay ahead of demand. A mix of on-street, hub and destination charging will be encouraged, to complement the preferred home charging and the higher-powered en-route charging options available to EV drivers while also providing a charging solution for those without the facility to charge at home.
During its lifetime, the Public Points Scheme received 6 applications for funding from 5 Local Authorities. 5 projects proposed unfortunately did not progress to installation of chargers and the funding offers were revoked.
One Local Authority has completed its installation of 4 chargers across 2 locations, however they have not yet drawn their funding down from the scheme. It is estimated that this project will draw down grant support in the region of €8k - €10k.
The Public Points Scheme is closed to new applicants.
It should be noted that the regional approach to EV infrastructure delivery being adopted through the Faster Project has seen successful delivery of 17 High Powered DC Charge points across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal. Louth county Council were the lead Authority on this project. Fingal county Council have developed their EV Infrastructure Strategy for the Dublin Local Authorities and are currently in the process of appointing a CPO to install and operate 200 Charge Points across the 4 Dublin authorities.
