Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the status and timeframe for a centre of excellence for electric vehicle management in Mullingar. [45800/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The expansion of Ireland’s electric vehicle fleet is a key objective in the Climate Action Plan 2023. We have an ambitious target of 30% of our private car fleet having made the switch to electric vehicles by 2030. This development will result in significant new skills requirements. The Expert Group for Future Skills Needs has estimated that the electrification of our private car fleet will create increased demand for EV technicians in particular as we approach the achievement of the 2030 objective.

We are acting quickly to address these requirements. Longford Westmeath ETB have committed to the establishment of an Electric Mobility Capability Centre in Mullingar. As the Deputy is aware, LWETB have a long history of delivering quality education provision and apprenticeship programmes in the midlands region, with a particular focus on skilled craft training in motor mechanics. As such they are a key partner in leading on the requirement for EV technicians.

Longford Westmeath ETB have now submitted to SOLAS a proposal for the development of an Electric Mobility Capability Centre in Mullingar. The proposal provides for a staged approach to development, beginning with the establishment of an eMobility project office within LWETB to drive development of the capability centre itself. Just last week, SOLAS submitted recommendations based on this business case to my Department. These recommendations are now under consideration by my Department.

On that basis, I expect to make an announcement regarding the Centre and its future development in Mullingar early next month which will be an important milestone on our climate action journey.