Written answers

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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573. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging points along the Wild Atlantic Way and other prominent tourist points across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25541/17]

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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574. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a grant scheme to companies that want to provide electric vehicle charging points for employees and consumers alike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25542/17]

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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575. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging points at Government buildings, including Leinster House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25543/17]

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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576. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change current Government vehicles from petrol to electric; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25544/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 to 576, inclusive, together.

The Government is committed to facilitating the increased up-take of low emitting vehicles (LEVs) and actions to encourage a transformation to LEVs will be included in the National Mitigation Plan and National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure, both due to be published shortly.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, jointly have convened an interdepartmental LEV Task Force to consider the range of measures and options available to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of low carbon technologies, especially electric vehicles (EVs).

EV infrastructure - particularly the provision of electric car charge points - is a key element of policy support to EV usage and this matter is being considered by a specific infrastructure Working Group of the Taskforce; that working group is chaired by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and its membership also includes the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).  Under present arrangements, decisions about the location of charging points - including potential new locations - is primarily a matter for the ESB as EV infrastructure in Ireland is installed by E-Cars, operated by the ESB.  I understand that there are currently 1,200 charge points available across the island of Ireland, which is among the more comprehensive charge point networks currently in place across Europe.

In relation to supporting the uptake of alternative technologies for Irish businesses, an Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme is intended to stimulate businesses to buy more energy efficient products which include electric vehicles and their associated charging infrastructure. Under this scheme a 100% asset write down is permitted in the year of purchase enabling the full value of the tax relief benefit to be received promptly.  SEAI currently administer the eligibility criteria for this scheme which is committed until the end of 2017. 

The Task force will also consider current public procurement policy in the context of Government and public body leadership initiatives and opportunities, as means of further demonstrating support for LEV uptake. An opportunity will be provided for stakeholders and interested members of the public to contribute their perspectives to the deliberations of the Task Force, details of which will be made available on my Department's website.

Finally, the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy has been approved by Government and its implementation is now underway. The delivery of this strategy is a shared, whole of Government, effort where all  Departments, and the bodies under their aegis, play their part in embedding structured energy management as part of their business delivery.   As part of this strategy, the development of Workplace Travel Plans which promote sustainable forms of transport are strongly encouraged.  My Department has already installed an on-site electric vehicle charger. Any further installation of chargers would, of course, be subject to demand within individual Departments.

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