Leitrim councillors call for more high speed EV chargers
Citing the growing number of elective vehicles (EVs) on the road and noting the greater need for charging stations as a result, Cllr Paddy Farrell has called on the Council to put in place additional charge points in Carrick-on- Shannon and Mohill.
While he acknowledged the need for charging docks in these two towns he said that charging points are needed in all towns and villages in the Carrick-on- Shannon MD area.
A written response from the Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation noted that the Faster Project was leading the installation of high speed chargers along the border region in the country.
“As part of this project there will be two high speed chargers provided in the new town centre car park in Carrick-on-Shannon,” it was noted.
“These are expected to be installed towards the end of this year.”
It was noted that additional charging points in Mohill can be considered as part of planned regeneration works in “should the opportunity arise and funding is available.”
However, Cllr Farrell said that more chargers are needed noting “EV sales are up 30%” and stressing that “if we want tourists to come here it is important we have more charges as soon as possible”.
Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire backed the call noting that “at least 4 fast chargers are needed in the town centre car park in Carrick-on-Shannon” while Cllr Des Guckian also backed the motion observing “there should be more (high speed chargers) if we are serious about encouraging the use of EVs.”
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Sean McGowan said there is a real nee for five or six high speed chargers in the county town and further chargers in Mohill.
Head of Finance, Vincent Dwyer said the provision of high speed chargers is “not a local authority service in the conventional sense.”
He said previously ESB networks were allocated significant funding nationally and said that the Faster Project is a regional project.
He said “smaller local authorities don't have the resources at €50-60,000 a pop (for chargers). We need financial support (from central government).”