Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Carroll for his presentation. While I do not have an electric vehicle, I certainly think its use is something we should be supporting through policy. Electric vehicles will not suit everybody, but they will suit many. If we are to make a meaningful impact in addressing climate change, they will be a very significant component of the shift.

I agree with nearly everything Mr. Carroll said. I am working on a policy document that will include many of recommendations sought by the delegates. There are some issues in the use of bus lanes. Bus lanes in Ireland generally are not of a standard that they can take additional vehicles; therefore, there are some constraints and concerns. I recognise that this happens in some countries, that they have high occupancy vehicle lanes, to which cars carrying more than two or three passengers have privileged access. In that context, we could look at electric vehicles being allowed to use them. The delegates are pushing an open door with me. I completely support what they are doing.

The long-term solution is adopting a whole-of-government approach incorporating the local authorities. It must be co-ordinated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. We cannot adopt an approach that is not uniform. If somebody leaves Kildare to drive into the city, he or she must have the same expectations in terms of signage. Road signage is not provided on county by county basis. There is a uniform approach to the mapping system in terms of road signage. That is the only way we can address this issue adequately.

I suggest a section of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport act as lead and pull all other Departments into line in order that somebody purchasing an electric vehicle would have a memorandum of understanding on what was available and what he or she was going to receive because it is a considerable step for somebody to take. As Mr. Barr said, if somebody is away from his or her normal place of residence or destination, he or she must be assured that he or will will have access to a charging point. Those of us who drive diesel or petrol cars would not dream of heading somewhere if we knew we would not be able to top up our fuel. That is the reality. We must provide the infrastructure first. Nobody is suggesting a person travel to a location where there are no roads and that if enough people buy cars, the roads will be provided. It does not work like that; one needs the investment first.

I do not for accept one minute that the ESB should change its charging regime. We are so far behind in reaching our target that anything that would act as a disincentive should not be considered. If it is already a disincentive for those who have already converted their vehicles, what must it be like for the people we are trying to attract? There is a huge job of work to be done that involves considerable investment in infrastructure, a uniform roll-out of services and a very strong marketing campaign. We also need a carrot approach. People need to know that for the next five or ten years, there would be a considerable saving to them. Sadly, they are not of a mind in large numbers to do things because it would be good for the environment. They will do it if it benefits them financially; therefore, we have to make the financial incentives adequate and appropriate.

Another issue was not addressed by Mr. Carroll; it concerns the public bus network. I know that the technology is at an early stage, but where the State invests in public infrastructure and public transport, including buses, through Transport Ireland, we must look at investing in the use of the appropriate technology. As the delegates know better than I do, it is only when there is critical mass that companies actually start to invest more in the technology available.

I do not really have questions. I thank the delegates for the presentation and wish them well in their continued efforts in this regard.