Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the Chairman. I think Dr. O'Grady is correct. It is about the cost and the initial shelling-out of that fee.

I have an abstract question to which the witnesses might not have the answer. The EU INTERREG VA programme between academic institutions and local authorities is providing funding of €6.4 million for a project. I do not want to put the witnesses on the spot. I am fascinated by it, given our interaction with local authorities. What will that funding be used for? Is it part of an academic exercise? Have we drawn it down? The witnesses can come back to the committee with a note on it if they do not have the answer. This is mentioned on page 45 of the strategy. I am curious to learn what it is about. The strategy states: "The Ireland-specific part of the project aims to fund up to 40 fast charge points in various locations on both sides of the Border with a target date for delivery of May 2023." Is that funding being delivered? Have we drawn it all down? Is there more we can get from it? I am aware that my questions are abstract today.

I thank the witnesses for attending today and for the work they are doing. We have made a huge shift as a country. Each of the groups that are represented today have played a significant role in that. It is great that the Department is driving the change. It is about the messaging, the social media campaign and changing the mindset. For the ESB, it about incentivisation. I know that the initial cost of changing to EVs is the big one. I still think it goes back to what Tom Cruise said about showing the people the money. People like to have a few bob more. If we can demonstrably show them in real terms that they are saving a chunk of money by investing in an EV in comparison to traditional cars, that will help make the change. The Minister for Transport was criticised for suggesting that people should slow down when they are driving. He was not far wrong, but it did not suit the narrative at the time for him to say that. It is about us all being part of that change mode. I am rambling. I will leave it there.