To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action she is taking to increase the average charging speed of charge points for electrically powered vehicles.

There are currently 320 22kWh (Fast) charge points at 160 locations and a further 17 50kWh DC (Rapid) public charge points in the North. The electric vehicle public charge point network is owned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). It is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the network. ESB can be contacted at ecars@esb.ie or enquiries can be sent directly to ESB, Two Gateway, East Wall Road, DUBLIN 3, D03 A995.

I have, however, been able to support the EU INTERREG VA Funded FASTER electric vehicle network project. The project is to install a total of 73 EV Rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the West of Scotland by 31 March 2023. The responsibility for the delivery of projects sits with the project partners, and more specifically the lead partner, which have agreed a timeline for delivery with the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). I am pleased to be able to inform you that my Department will be contributing €513,945 (£455,371) of Match Funding towards the FASTER project.

My officials are currently considering the future requirements in terms of public charge point infrastructure and will continue to liaise with ESB to consider any specific requests to ensure the public network can meet the needs of EV owners now and in future. Officials continue to engage with OZEV regarding funding for “Project Rapid” and we are awaiting confirmation as to whether it applies in the North at this time, and/or if it is allocated via the Barnett Consequential.

My Department has also been leading a Transport Working Group, set up to inform the transport elements of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy currently under development. A number of key areas have been identified for consideration including the electrification of transport. I look forward to considering these proposals to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.