Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to put a public electric vehicle charger in Ballybunion, County Kerry as it is a very busy holiday town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4160/24]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, 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.
Public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis and installation is generally demand led.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) are currently engaging with Local Authorities to develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies. This will move EV charging roll out from a commercial based provision to a planned provision to meet residents' needs. These Strategies will identify areas without off street charging capabilities and identify solutions to be included in Implementation Plans which may include off street community chargers, Shared Charging facilities (Neighbour with off street charger shares charging through an app), and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs. You may wish to contact Kerry County Council directly for any site specific information.
