Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement debate and welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber.I tabled this matter to Deputy Eamon Ryan as the Minister for Transport but also as the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, given that the issue of electric vehicle, EV, charging points is one that is covered by both of his ministerial responsibilities in ensuring an adequate network of charging points across the country.

The roll-out of electric cars is running apace, which is to be welcomed, and the car manufacturing industry is increasing production of electric cars in light of fossil fuels being phased out across Europe by 2030 or 2035. EV charging point access will become increasingly important. While it is estimated that home charging will be responsible for more than 80% of EV charging, there will still be a need for an adequate network of charging points across the country. People are on the road, tourists are going to and from various parts of the country and people have anxieties about electric cars' ranges. While ranges and battery lives are improving, there will be a need to reach a point eventually where every town has at least one public charging point.

Local authorities should be central to the siting and placing of charging points. The then Minister, Deputy Bruton, established a grant scheme for local authorities in 2019 with €5,000 payable per point to support the development of on-street public chargers. The uptake of the public charging points scheme is low so far. I do not know whether there is an inadequate level of funding or local authorities are too short-staffed for the design, acquisition and installation of facilities. Perhaps there needs to be an investigation into why there has not been a greater roll-out. I understand that some local authorities are ramping up delivery now, which is to be welcomed, but the reality is that private businesses are leading the way. For example, some exclusive hotels have facilities that are out of the reach of the ordinary person who is not staying there. Understandably, it is an important offering that such hotels provide to people who stay with them.

I contacted the ESB this year and a number of years ago about its policy. Its policy is to start with motorways and national primary routes, which are the most travelled routes. The ESB is supported through the climate action fund. Everyone who pays the carbon tax pays into this fund. There is an attempt to look at destination points, for example, national parks, visitor centres, Office of Public Works properties, etc. This is to be welcomed, but there is a need for public charging points in towns in my area - Moycullen, Oughterard, Barna, Claregalway and Oranmore – as well as in Galway city. There needs to be increased visibility of public charging points to allow people to grab a cup of coffee or tea nearby, relax and wait for their cars to charge.

I look forward to the Minister of State's response on the roll-out across Galway county and city.