Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week in the Chamber, I welcomed the Government's plan to introduce 1 million electrically propelled vehicles by 2030. However, I complained about the lack of the power points around the country, with approximately 1,200 installed at present, and I also complained about the cost of installing these operation points. ESB ecars has received €37 million since 2010, which works out at approximately €30,000 per power point.

I have been contacted by many people who drive electric cars. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 electric cars in this country and at least 1,500 need new batteries. Their owners have been quoted between €10,000 and €12,000 to replace the batteries, which can be bought in the USA for approximately $3,000. There are grants available for new batteries. In the forthcoming budget, we need to encourage people to buy electric cars. There is a shortage of electric points and batteries are a serious cost. What is Minister's plan to encourage people to buy these electric cars?

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