Electric car charging points needed for tourism in Leitrim

Electric car charging points are needed in Ballinamore, said Cllr Ita Flynn-Reynolds said at the latest Ballinamore municipal district meeting with her fellow members agreeing with her and Cllr Enda McGloin saying that it was important for the tourism in the county to have the chargers in place. 

He said: "This is really tourism infrastructure for people who come to Leitrim. People driving those vehicles want to make sure they recharge the car. Most people who own an EV car in Leitrim have their own charging point at home but we need them in towns to bring people to this part of the county over the summer. You have the Country and Western Festival in Drumcoura and the summer school in Drumshanbo and various events that draw people in and unless we have this type of infrastructure in place, it will have a detrimental effect on those who drive electric cars." 

Leitrim County Council District Engineer, Darragh O'Boyle said that there are "ducts running to proposed possible charging points; the issue may be with the actual supply to that point for the chargers."

He continued the project office is looking at "a regional feasibility study for Cavan, Leitrim and other areas looking to see possible viable charging points throughout Leitrim and Ballinamore will be looked at as part of the study."

Cllr Reynolds Flynn said she was "disappointed that Manorhamilton and Carrick-on-Shannon have the points already."

Mr O'Boyle said that areas being considered are at the "fountain car park but there may be an issue with the ESB supply there and also looking at possibly along the new line when heading up to Tesco; there is a substation there."

Cllr Reynolds Flynn also asked for an update on the L-55692-0  and was advised that it is to be placed on the next three year plan.