Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
224. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the plans that are in place to address the issue of persons living in terraced housing without front gardens not being able to switch to electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42893/22]
View answerThe 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 for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the 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 195,000 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 later this year.
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. I am deeply cognisant of the need to facilitate residents without a driveway to charge their EV at a reasonable cost within their neighbourhood.
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 announced including the development of a new residential charging grant which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible.
Officials from my Department are liaising closely with the Local Government Management Agency on plans to deliver charging solutions to these types of neighbourhoods. In fact, I was delighted to attend the launch of one such pilot program in the Finglas area earlier this week that was funded by my Department.
