Westmeath to benefit from €15m EV charging scheme

Westmeath, Longford, Laois, Offaly and Roscommon are to benefit from €15 million invested from the EU Just Transition Fund to support the roll-out of publicly accessible, fast charge point infrastructure at community facilities in counties.

The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan made the announcement today.

The aim is to support regions that are experiencing the negative impacts from the transition away from fossil fuel-intensive or greenhouse-gas-intensive industries, such as the using peat for energy generation.

EV charging points will be provided at popular public facilities including community centres, public libraries, public health centres, recreational facilities, and enterprise centres across the Just Transition territory.

The municipal districts of Ballinasloe, Athy, Clane-Maynooth, Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles in Tipperary are included.

"Directed specifically at the wider Midlands region, this is one of many initiatives we are taking to accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable transport system and to boost the uptake of electric vehicles across the region,” commented Minister Eamonn Ryan.

Applications will be gathered and assessed by Pobal, who will provide guidance on the scheme generally and who will offer direct support to applicants. Speaking today, Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:

"In light of Ireland’s targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023, we in Pobal recognise the value of accessible services to communities and are proud to support it. With Pobal’s own commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals this will be a programme of importance to us as an organisation in the years to come”.

The deadline for receipt of applications is September 28 and for further information on how to apply, visit www.pobal.ie