More car-charging points needed in Tipp

Call for European funding for electric vehicle infrastructure

Tipperary Co Council has been asked to assess provision of electric vehicle charging points near local tourist attractions.

There are 55 electric vehicle (EV) charging points at 25 locations across Tipperary, this month's meeting of the council was informed. The points are mainly operated by commercial providers and some by the council.

Local charging points include Nenagh (at the Abbey Court Hotel, Lidl and Circle K on the Limerick Road), Birdhill, Cloughjordan, Borrisoleigh, Moneygall and Roscrea.

In reply to a notice of motion from Cllr Andy Moloney, the council stated that there is limited financial support available for the installation of EV infrastructure and significant costs in site preparation, network connection fees and annual running costs. "Alternative renewable fuel options such as hydrogen and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) are coming on stream, which will be more economical. The council will be preparing a Climate Action Plan, which will include climate adaptation and mitigation measures addressing the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

"The general view is that the private sector will continue to expand the rollout of public EV charging infrastructure and the role of the local authority will be to assist EV charging point operators in the operations and maintenance of installed public charging facilities. An EV Charging Infrastructure Policy is currently being drafted, which will assess the demand and supply needs in the different areas."

Cllr Moloney said there is European funding available for electric vehicle infrastructure and it should be applied for. He spoke of a "surge" in EV sales and expectation that a million cars in Ireland would be electric by 2030, while all hire cars would be electric.

Cllr Moloney told the meeting that people would not visit Tipperary's tourism sites and other attractions unless suitable EV charging capacity is provided.