Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
130. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the current number and locations of wheelchair accessible electric vehicle charging points by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22053/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030 that reflects the scale of the transformation needed to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. Under the National Development Plan €1bn has been allocated to specific carbon reduction measures, including vehicle electrification.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
In this regard, a draft National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy was published for consultation on March 31st , 2022 . The Strategy sets out a pathway for the provision of charging infrastructure to stay ahead of demand and makes several recommendations in relation to the actions, funding streams and supports that will be put in place by Government to deliver a seamless public charging network.
One of the core principles of the Strategy is that EV charging infrastructure will work for everyone regardless of age, health, income or other needs. To ensure access for all citizens, principles of universal access and universal design will be considered at all stages of EV infrastructure development, from planning and design stages to operation and use.
The consultation on the draft Strategy will run until the end of May. The next phase of the public consultation will be launched this week, involving a structured online questionnaire and stakeholder webinars. The Strategy will be revised, following analysis of the submissions received and a final Strategy will be published later this year.
In light of ESB eCars responsibility for the current publicly accessible charge points in Ireland, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to ESB for attention and direct reply. Please contact my office if no response has been received in 10 working days.
