Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding applications by Wicklow County Council in 2021 with respect to electric vehicle charging points; and if the number of applications and level of funding applied for in both successful and unsuccessful applications will be provided in tabular form. [36650/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastucture strategy is due for publication later this year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department has begun an engagement with the Local Authorities to inform this work.

I am also aware that work is advancing by the CCMA on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The sub-committee preparing this document is being chaired by Wicklow County Council.

In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme in early Autumn to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme. To date, letters of offer have issued to Louth County Council and Dublin City Council to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas. As yet, Wicklow County Council has not made an official application for funding under this scheme.

*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.