Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Kyne has raised an important issue. I would have expected there to have been more than 12 standard charge points in County Galway. More needs to be done.We continue to expand the national charging network through support for on-street chargers. A report was published by the County and City Management Association giving guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The document may be viewed online.

To support home-charging, the SEAI, on behalf of the Department of Transport, administers an EV home charger grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home-charger unit. As regards existing apartment buildings, work is currently being progressed to expand the EV home-charger grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. The Department of Transport is working closely with the SEAI and expects a scheme for apartments to open shortly.

On new builds, there are charging points. The Senator has highlighted an issue. We probably need more chargers in County Galway and in many other counties and cities around the country. I look forward to all of the stakeholders working together to achieve that.