Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
438. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to implementing a new electric vehicle grant for businesses that install charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21074/22]
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 national charging infrastucture strategy was published in late March which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.
Preparations are underway to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Charging at home is the most convenient and cheapest way to recharge. Targeting the installation of smart home chargers is a priority as we look to moving towards more energy efficient and sustainable ways to charge. A grant is available from the SEAI for those individuals seeking to install a home charger.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, and workplace charging.
My Department is now developing a new scheme under the strategy which will support the installation of destination charge points in business locations such as hotels and other public locations like parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
