Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the centre of excellence for electric vehicles in Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am strongly committed to meeting electro-mobility skills requirements in light of the role of electric vehicles in supporting the achievement of Government's climate action objectives. In this context, my Department is continuing to work closely with Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) to establish a national eMobility Capability Centre in Mullingar.

Last November in a key first step towards this goal, I announced the launch of a project office within LWETB, to drive the development of the Centre in a planned and phased manner. The project office will provide leadership and oversight, including in regard to a technical feasibility study to identify the full requirements of the eMobility Centre.

In light of the new technologies involved appropriately qualified technicians are essential across the full spectrum of skills needs. The establishment of the project office will enable work to commence in the detailed scoping out of the specific skill requirements to meet eMobility servicing needs. This will encompass not just electric cars but larger vehicles such as buses and lorries. The project office will also consider how education and training can provide appropriate qualifications, through a variety of accredited programmes, which will be developed over time, in response to both immediate and evolving needs.

I am delighted that, through Estimates 2024, LWETB received funding for appropriate staffing for the project office. I understand that, following a successful recruitment campaign, the project office will be operational next month which will enable the delivery of the feasibility study later this year. I look forward to this project proceeding at pace.