Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2017
239. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one electric vehicle charging point on the north side of Limerick city and this charging point at a location (details supplied) has been broken for months despite repeated requests for repair; his views on whether this is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the only electric vehicle charging point on the north side of Limerick city at a location (details supplied) will be repaired immediately in view of the fact traditional requests for repair to the ESB have been unsuccessful to date. [41148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans in place to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points in Limerick city. [41149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, together.
There is an extensive public network of electric vehicle charging points across Ireland. The maintenance and repair of these points is an operational matters for ESB eCars.
I have sought clarification regarding the charge point referred to by the Deputy and ESB eCars has advised that it is a dual headed charge point which caters for two different types of charger of which one is not in operation. ESB eCars engineers have visited this particular charge point numerous times but have been unable to fix it. Currently, ESB eCars are waiting for a key component part and are following up with the manufacturers in this regard. I have requested ESB eCars update the Deputy once this issue is rectified. Until that time, electric vehicle owners have the option of using a number of other charging points in the area.
In relation to increasing the number of charge points not only in Limerick City but around the country, this is a key focus of the work of the Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce. The Taskforce is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is examining options for infrastructure, regulation and pricing in order to devise a sustainable policy framework for effective and efficient electric vehicle recharging. The work of the Taskforce is well underway with a stakeholder engagement event in July helping inform proposals in relation to Budget 2018.
