Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not know if the witnesses have businesses. In fairness to the ESB, I do not know if the Government subsidises this process but the company cannot just give electricity to everyone willy-nilly. The company needs to get reimbursement from somewhere, whether that is an EU fund or one from the Government. I understand that the witnesses are trying to get more people to use these vehicles. It is a good idea for in and around cities but, as the previous speaker stated and being honest, the bus lanes throughout the country are not sufficiently well designed to cater for taxis and buses, let alone allowing a few cars to use them as well. That would not work.

I agree with some of the other points. The witnesses mentioned the Wild Atlantic Way and there is no problem with having a fast charger on it. The route is probably 350 km from here. I know there are chargers in Castlebar, Galway and other towns. I have even seen them in smaller towns like Castlerea. I agree that councils need to take a full approach. There was an argument that this committee should invoke a statutory instrument on to councils; we can make a recommendation but we cannot just ring up a council and tell it to do something. Will the witnesses elaborate on what was done in Cork that can be rolled out in other counties?