€15 Million Invested In EV Charging Points

Friday, 28 July 2023 17:53

It's for the wider midlands region.

€15M is being invested into public fast charging points.

The funding is being given for the counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, and the towns of Ballinasloe, Athy, Clane, Maynooth, Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles.

The Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme is being launched today by the Minister for Transport as part of the EU Just Transition Fund.

People will be able to charge their vehicles at libraries, health centres, and community centres.

Minister Eamon Ryan says the scheme is "directed specifically at the wider midlands region," and "is one of many initiatives we are taking to accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable transport system and to boost the uptake of electric vehicles across the region".

Midlands Senator, Pippa Hackett is welcoming the move to a more sustainable transport system:

Applications will be gathered and assessed by Pobal, who will provide guidance on the scheme generally and who will offer direct support to applicants. Speaking today, Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said: "Pobal is delighted to work with the Department of Transport and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland on this exciting and ambitious new scheme. The EU JTF Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme is a very timely an important initiative to support the rollout of electric vehicle charging points at community facilities in the wider midland region. This Scheme will support local communities in their transition to climate neutrality through the expansion of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points in towns and villages across the region. In light of Ireland’s targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023, we in Pobal recognise the value of accessible services to communities and are proud to support it. With Pobal’s own commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals this will be a programme of importance to us as an organisation in the years to come. We look forward to working with all stakeholder organisations in the region to making this scheme a success and model of best practice for community-based EV charging schemes”.