Calls for EV charging infrastructure in this Kildare municipal district

A Labour councillor has called on the council to carry out an assessment of suitable locations in the Celbridge-Leixlip municipal district for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Cathaoirleach of Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District, Rupert Heather made the call at this month's MD meeting, held on Friday, March 20 last.

According to Cllr Heather, the infrastructure should be on council-owned lands and include rapid charging points.

The local authority should also engage with relevant charge point operators “to explore opportunities for the delivery of this infrastructure”, Cllr Heather's motion stated.

Speaking at the MD meeting, Cllr Heather said he accepted this was “a national issue”, and also accepted there is a strategy in progress.

However, he noted, this would “do little to appease people” who are struggling with the high cost of commercial chargers, or who have not got access to home chargers.

This was a growing issue, he said, adding that the council is encouraging people to decarbonise while there is infrastructure deficit in terms of the availability of charging points.

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Cllr Heather said that while he accepted the council's report, he would like to see a firmer indication of when the strategy will be finalised.

A council official told Cllr Heather that he wasn't in a position to state when the strategy will be finalised, but that the council would be kept informed of any developments.

A report issued by the local authority stated: “Kildare County Council are part of a Regional Group working on a collaborative approach to develop a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Strategy.

“The strategy is in development and will focus on assessing existing networks and planning for future needs with an assessment of both destination and neighbourhood charging.

“While the Strategy is not finalised, it is likely that the preferred model for the delivery of EV charging points is for third party providers to develop on a commercial basis with the Local Authority assisting in the delivery to other locations where there are gaps in the network.”