Robert Troy
Question:534. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the roll-out of electric car chargers in a town (details supplied). [43377/18]
View answerTuesday, 23 October 2018
Questions (534)
Written answers
The majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. This network includes 77 fast chargers, mainly on national routes. A map showing the locations of charging points throughout Ireland is available at https://www.esb.ie/our-businesses/ecars/charge-point-map. There are currently charging posts at three locations in Mullingar. As each charging post consists of two charging points, this gives a total of six charging points in the town. In addition, there are fast charging stations located nearby on the N4 near Ballinaleck, the M6 near Kilbeggan and the M4 near Johnstown Bridge. Fast chargers are vital to overcome ‘range anxiety’ and are generally focussed around the national road network.
A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involved examining how best to support the development of the electric vehicle charging. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focused on electric vehicles, is now complete and the progress report is available on my Department’s website.
Arising out of the work of the Taskforce a support scheme is in place to support electric vehicle charging at home, the primary method of charging for the majority of electric vehicles both internationally and in Ireland. My Department, in conjunction with the SEAI, is working on how best to support the provision of greater levels of on-street public charging.
It is also important to note the role of the Climate Action Fund. The first Call for Applications, which was launched in July, includes provision for supporting electric vehicle charging networks along with a range of other project types. The deadline for applications has now passed and I can confirm that 97 applications have been received. An assessment process of these applications is currently underway.