Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the rationale for not proceeding with EU JTF community facilities EV charging scheme applications (details supplied) through Westmeath County Council. [67535/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) EV Charging Scheme, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland, was designed to support the installation of publicly accessible fast and high-powered EV charging infrastructure at community facilities within Ireland’s Just Transition region.

In recent months, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and the relevant Local Authorities have engaged in extensive discussions to determine the most effective structure for the scheme.

Throughout this process, a number of significant risks were identified. Following careful consideration, it became clear that these risks, particularly the risk of delays that could prevent completion within the required timeframe under the 'N+3' rule, were too substantial to be confident of successful delivery. For this scheme, that deadline was 31 December 2026. If delivery was not within the required deadline, the funds would have been lost to Ireland and the region.

To safeguard the funding for the region, the resources originally allocated to this scheme have now been be redirected to an alternative initiative. This approach ensures that the EU investment remains in place and continues to support our shared goal of advancing sustainable transport.

Where site inspections are already completed for all eligible locations, the Department will work closely with Local Authorities to explore opportunities to incorporate viable sites into regional and local strategies, ensuring that the groundwork completed to date contributes meaningfully to future plans.