Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of that. I am also aware the Deputy's party has opposed every action we have taken in respect of climate, whether through our climate budgets or the climate action plan. That is a policy position it has, but I think we all understand the need for us to reduce emissions to improve how people travel. The Deputy's question relates specifically to electric vehicles and making them more accessible to rural motorists, something with which I agree. Rural motorists are often in an advantageous position to switch to using an electric vehicle due to the large number of dwellings in rural Ireland that are suitable for EV charging. We have had issues, as the Deputy will know, in multi-unit developments with the provision of charging points, which needs to be looked at, but home charging means lower running costs and many EVs are now capable of reaching more than 400 km in a single charge, which will meet most people's daily driving needs. The public charging network has grown in recent years and the new programme for Government includes further significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network in order that drivers can use EVs with confidence and certainty.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, is leading on the delivery of charging infrastructure along our motorways and national primary and secondary routes. We have launched three grant aid programmes for the delivery of significant, high-powered charging infrastructure on these roads. These are all for delivery in the next 12 months. Last week, I announced a third scheme that is focused on installing high-powered recharging stations along 3,000 km of national primary and secondary roads. This will ensure EV drivers have reliable access to charging points throughout the country.

Furthermore, of significant relevance to rural motorists is the regional and local EV network plan. I will publish the final version of this plan, following extensive consultation and engagement with local authorities, in the coming weeks. The plan describes how local authorities will facilitate the provision of local charging networks.

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