Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. He probably knows better than I do that there are challenges in regard to the emissions from private transport. This is one of the really big issues we have in ensuring our country can move closer to the climate commitments we have to each other, not to mention those enshrined in law. Public transport and its greater availability will play a big part in that but the question of how we can change how private transport is used and how car journeys can be made in a way that reduces their carbon emissions is critical.

The Deputy corrected some of the misinformation that is out there. Electric vehicles have an important role to play in our efforts in this area. As their technology improves, we must look at what we can do in regard to the charging network. The local and regional electric vehicle charging networks are rolled out through the local authorities and are funded by zero emission vehicles Ireland, ZEVI. A lot of important work is being done in this area. For example, a contract has been awarded to deliver an additional 200 charge points at 50 different locations across Dublin, the majority of which will be located in local authority public car parks and will be rapid in nature.

That sets the background for the Deputy's question. He asked where we stand in regard to apartments and underground charging lines. He referred to the apartment charger grant and the kinds of changes we need to make. Work is under way on a regional and local EV charging network plan, which is currently at draft stage. I will ensure the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is aware of the specific but important issues Deputy Gogarty has raised with me and ask him to look at whether or how they can be included in the plan that is being prepared.

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