Rural Ireland’s switch to EVs will need targeted support – Ó Muirí

The surge in the licensing of electric vehicles in July is very positive, but there’s a risk of rural communities being left behind without better support, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, Chair of the Oireachtas Climate Committee said: “The 64% increase in new electric vehicles licensed in July when compared to last year is very encouraging, but the gap between Dublin and the rest of the country must be addressed.

“Nearly two out of every five electric vehicles licensed in July were in Dublin. This gap is no surprise; in rural areas, charging infrastructure remains far too scarce and rural drivers are struggling to make the switch with confidence.

“There are areas all over the country with few, if any, public transport options. How can people living in these areas be expected to reduce their reliance on petrol and diesel cars when the alternatives are not there?

“Areas with poor public transport connectivity, as identified by the National Transport Authority, should receive additional support to help them transition to an electric vehicle.

“Even in my own constituency of Dublin Bay North, it is clear that we can do much better by ensuring charging points are not just in the city centre, but at a range of easily accessible locations within the northside’s suburban village network.

 “Supporting the transition to electric vehicles is a priority in the Programme for Government. It is essential that we put in place additional practical incentives for drivers to make the switch and it is vital that those incentives are targeted at rural drivers in communities with very limited public transport options.

“Decarbonising transport is essential to meeting our climate targets, and we must do everything we can to ensure every driver has the same opportunity to go electric”, concluded Deputy Ó Muirí.