Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
183. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department provides electric vehicle charging points for spaces owned by management companies; the number of electric vehicle charging points that are owned by management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15660/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy is due to be published for public consultation next week which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.
The Government’s policy regarding the increased usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is primarily driven by the Climate Action Plan which sets a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030.
Home charging is considered the primary method of charging for the majority of EVs in Ireland and is a convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly means of charging, especially when using night rate electricity. It accounts for circa 80% of EV charging sessions and will continue to be the primary method of charging in the future.
The Government has introduced a requirement that new buildings and those undergoing substantial renovation works will have to include charging points for electric vehicles if they have more than 10 car parking spaces.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme has been in operation since January 2018 to support the installation of home chargers for purchasers of new and second-hand BEVs and PHEVs. The grant provides generous support towards the full cost of installation of a home charger up to a maximum of €600. As regards existing apartment buildings, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open shortly. Once this scheme opens, the Department will receive regular updates on the number of applications submitted to the SEAI.
