Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
225. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points installed on State properties; if not, if he will consider increasing the number of electric vehicle charging points installed on State properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of EVs within public sector vehicle fleets and the installation of associated EV infrastructure is an important exemplar and market driver, providing the necessary public leadership and raising consumer awareness of EVs.
There are several initiatives and programmes underway across the public sector that encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy encourages public sector fleets to test new technologies and facilitate/accelerate their market uptake.
- Green Public Procurement can act as a driver for innovation and competitiveness in the industrial sector, encouraging the development of new technologies.
- The recast Clean Vehicles Directive set minimum Member State procurement targets, with the main objective of increasing the uptake of clean (low- and zero-emission) vehicles.
- The Local Authority Climate Action Charter is a key action in the Climate Action Plan and will ensure every local authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.
I am also aware that many Public State Bodies as employers have installed charge points for staff use.
A destination charge point scheme is being developed by my Department, in association with the SEAI, which will include commonly accessed destinations. In this regard, I am minded to allow certain key publicly owned facilities at which members of the public access state services to apply for funding under this scheme and help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
