Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
186. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to roll out EV charging points in mid Cork for people travelling and getting to and from work to ensure demand is met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21552/24]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle 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.Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is investing €100 million between 2023-2025 in EV infrastructure as we look to accelerate the delivery of EV charging across our national road network and local and regional networks.In January 2023, Minister Ryan launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan.ZEVI has developed a draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which is planned for public publication in the coming weeks. Rather than the single project approach in the Public Points scheme, the new network plan will take a holistic partnership approach, with Local Authorities working both together with ZEVI to develop bespoke strategies on a regional and local basis to truly reflect the EV charging needs across their regions and county areas while addressing user needs.Local authorities, funded by ZEVI, will develop EV charging infrastructure strategies and implementation plans. These strategies will complement national and local policies, strategies, and plans, and put forth targets for local charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations. ZEVI has engaged with Local Authorities extensively throughout 2023 and 2024, and Local Authorities have agreed to Regionalise to develop their EV Strategies and Implementation plans. Cork and Kerry County Councils have agreed to partner to deliver the EV Strategies and are in the process of procuring a consultant to develop EV Strategies for their Region and countiesZEVI will provide guidance to Local Authorities for developing their strategies and subsequent implementation plans. These local strategies will be critical in supporting progress towards achieving transport-related emissions reductions obligations laid out in each of the Local Authority Climate Action Plans.Following Strategy development Local Authorities will identify suitable sites and location to install the EV charging Infrastructure to meet user needs. This will be done in partnership with other public and private sector bodies who will be installing infrastructure in tandem with the local authorities.It is envisaged that Local Authorities will work in partnership with the private sector using appropriate contractual arrangements to install and operate this infrastructure up to 2030 to facilitate the transition to EVs, and beyond 2030 that the private market will be robust enough to install any future infrastructure based on user demand and need.
