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Electric Vehicles

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Questions (189)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

189. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if clarity and guidance will be provided in relation to charging electric vehicles in multi-unit developments in which there is a pathway between the home charger and the car; if households can charge their electric vehicle by running the charging cable on the pathway from their household to the car space; if cables should be covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/22]

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Written answers

The Climate Action Plan 2021 set a target of 945,000 EVs by 2030. The 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, to facilitate the expansion of EVs in the Irish car fleet. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy has been published for public consultation which sets out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.

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 and shared residences, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments.

As per the draft strategy, for those who cannot charge at home, provision of residential charging solutions that give the same benefits and mirror the home charging option should be the first objective. This will provide a safe and accessible charging solution for those without access to a driveway without the use of cable extensions running from the house over pathways.

Residential charge points should replicate the home charging pattern of charging vehicles at night, during off peak periods, and at a low cost. There is an onus on national and local government to facilitate the provision of these charging solutions for citizens who do not have access to a home charge point. It is expected that as growing numbers of people switch to EVs, there will be an increased need for publicly accessible and on-street charge points to cater for those who do not have access to private off-street parking and cannot charge their vehicles at home.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland will provide co-funding to support Local Authorities in developing local area network plans for EV infrastructure, comprising both on-street charging in areas where residents do not have access to home charging solutions, and destination charge points at Local Authority facilities.Local Authorities will then be able to apply for funding from a new Residential Charging Scheme which will replace the Public Points Scheme.

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