Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
200. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport his engagement with local authorities to progress their plans for EV charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As you are aware, a draft national EV charging infrastructure strategy, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication next month.
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.
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, provides local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points. My department has committed to reviewing the Scheme to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
Local Authorities will be key partners with ZEVI in delivering a national EV charging network, and ZEVI has already established strong links with Local Authorities, with representatives from Local Authorities on the ZEVI Assurance Board, as well as three of its EV infrastructure delivery stakeholder groups.
ZEVI is currently accepting pilot project proposals from interested Local Authorities to trial EV charging infrastructure installations and to assist local authorities to evaluate and design their future local charging networks. The Infrastructure Strategy will be published alongside an Implementation Plan which will set out further details on how ZEVI will work with Local Authorities to deliver EV charging networks in their areas.
