Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure what is causing it, but there is a delay in getting this rolled out. There is approximately the same number of charging points now as when the ESB first rolled out these points, yet there are many more cars on the road. Therefore, there is a problem. It would be worthwhile determining what the barriers are.

In the context of local authorities, I have spoken to Wicklow County Council about this matter. Only 75% of the cost of installing the charging points is met by the Government so the council has to find the remaining 25%. Councils are struggling because of Covid, the reduction in rates and the position regarding rent. They are experiencing major financial difficulties and I do not believe they will have the resources to do what is desired. We are not staying ahead of demand. There is no charging point in the whole Greystones district, which has 20,000 people, or in west Wicklow. This is an area that we should really focus on.

See this speech in context