Fast car chargers for Ballinamore - Reynolds-Flynn

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn asked for an update on when fast car chargers will be provided in Ballinamore town at the latest Ballinamore Municipal District meeting. 

She was told that Leitrim County Council is involved with the Faster Project which involves provision of fast EV chargers in the border counties. The contractor has been appointed for the project. 

At the moment this project will provide chargers in Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. 

Ballinamore is on a reserve list and if funding becomes available a charger will be provided in Ballinamore. It is too early yet in that project to confirm if one will be provided in Ballinamore. 

The Department of Transport has also requested that all local authorities develop an EV infrastructure strategy. 

"Leitrim County Council is working with Cavan County Council to develop this strategy for this region. Work is about to commence on the strategy and we will keep members updated on its progress."

Darragh O'Boyle, district engineer with Leitrim County Council, noted the developments the council have done. "The ducting is in, it depends on whenever consultants come up with the report". 

Cllr Enda McGloin supported the motion and asked Liam Flynn, Executive Planner at Leitrim County Council if developments that include a car park must now provide EV charging points. Mr Flynn said that one in every ten parking space that are part of new residential developments must have an EV charging point and that in case of commercial developments, "that's the direction it is going anyway."

Cllr McGloin said that he was aware of an individual who is "developing their commercial car parking" and would have to pay €35,000 to install an EV charging point at their premises.