Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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173. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reduce carbon emissions to help management companies of apartment complexes install electric charge points in underground car parks for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38094/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action Plan, published in June 2019, sets out a range of actions to support the delivery of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). These actions, which are further underpinned by the Programme for Government, include developing the electric vehicle charging network necessary to support the growth of EVs and to ensure the supply of infrastructure stays sufficiently ahead of demand. The development of a strategy to meet these objectives is currently underway.  

Charging while at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and Government policy is to promote home charging in order to maintain this current high level of charging. To support home charging the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department, continues to administer an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit for those with access to an off-street parking space which can be connected to their domestic supply.  

Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV Home Charger Grant to include shared parking in apartment blocks and similar developments. However, there are a number of complex planning and legal issues to address first. My Department is working closely with the SEAI and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the issues involved.  

It should be noted that the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2018/844/EU) requires Member States to ensure that appropriate charging infrastructure is installed in all new residential and non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces. It is intended that this EU requirement will be transposed into Irish law by end 2020.