Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

The vast majority of electric vehicle charging happens at home, which aligns with both technology and patterns of use of vehicles.  To support home charging, I introduced the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme this year.  This scheme, which came into operation on 1 January 2018, supports the cost of installing a home charger up to a maximum of €600 for buyers of both new and second-hand electric vehicles.

In terms of the number and extent of publicly accessible charging, the National Policy Framework on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland notes that Ireland's current electric vehicle charging network infrastructure is ahead of current market demand.  However, it is recognised that the future development of electric vehicle public charging needs to progress alongside the growth of electric vehicles. Funding has, therefore, been allocated in my Department's budget this year to support the provision of public charging.

A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of the public charging network.  The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focuses on electric vehicles, is nearing completion and I expect to bring forward proposals that will support further provision of effective and efficient publically accessible electric vehicle charging.

In this regard, funding for public charging in local communities is already available through the Better Energy Communities Scheme.  The scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area.

The operation and maintenance of the existing public charging network is a matter for the ESB. In relation to the provision of a charge point in Dingle, I understand there is already a charge point in this location. However, the ESB has informed my Department that there have been some technical issues with this charge point in recent days which are being addressed.