Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
223. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the details and locations of electric vehicular charging points that have been installed by Wicklow County Council in the county each of the years 2015 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40113/22]
View answer224. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the details of the funding that has been drawn down by Wicklow County Council to install electric vehicular charging points between 2015 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40114/22]
View answer225. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number and locations of all electric vehicular charging points in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40115/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. A draft national charging infrastructure strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication.
The Government’s EV target is a critical solution to reducing our transport emissions and is a key part of the strategy which also includes measures to reduce car journeys, through improved public and active transport networks.
Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new of grants and initiatives have been launched and it has been announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and how to apply for the apartment charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
ESB ecars currently have 17 EV charging stations in County Wicklow, made up of the following:
- 13 x 22kW Standard AC charging stations, each of which have two charging sockets which can be utilised simultaneously. Therefore 26 Standard AC charge points in total.
- 4 x 50kW Fast charging stations, each of which have three charging sockets for CHAdeMO (DC), CCS (DC) and Type 2 (AC). At these charging stations two charging sockets can be utilised simultaneously, one DC and one AC. Therefore 12 charge points in total, but eight charge points which can be used simultaneously.
Overall, there are a total of 38 charge points with a maximum simultaneous charging capacity of 34 charge points in County Wicklow.
These charging stations are split between Wicklow Town, Bray, Arklow, Greystones, Ashford and at the M11 services at Cullenmore, junction 14.
Other charge point operators operate charge points in Co Wicklow but my Department does not have full access to information from privately owned companies.
The existing Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2022 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs.
I can confirm to the deputy that Wicklow County Council have to date not drawn down any funding under the current Public Points Scheme.
