Local community facilities to host EV charging points

A new scheme to support the roll-out of publicly accessible fast charge point at local community facilities in the region has been launched.

The EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) Community Facilities Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Scheme will see €15 million invested from the EU Just Transition Fund for the charge points at community facilities in counties Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and municipal districts of Ballinasloe (Co Galway), Athy, Clane-Maynooth, (Co Kildare) and Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles (Co Tipperary).

This scheme aims to provide EV charging at popular public facilities including community centres, public libraries, public health centres, recreational facilities, and enterprise centres across the Just Transition territory.

The scheme is part of the EU JTF Programme which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and aims to support regions that are experiencing the negative impacts from the transition away from fossil fuel-intensive or greenhouse-gas-intensive industries, such as the using peat for energy generation.

Announcing the launch of the scheme, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan noted: “The EU JTF Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme is an example of how the Government and the European Union are working together to connect communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to benefit directly from the green transition. Directed specifically at the wider Midlands region, this 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.”

Applications will be gathered and assessed by Pobal, who will provide guidance on the scheme generally and who will offer direct support to applicants.

The deadline for receipt of applications is September 28 and for further information on how to apply, visit www.pobal.ie