Call for more EV charging points with only ‘17 public charging units’ in Donegal

A county councillor has called for an increase in electric vehicle charging points on Donegal roads.

Raising the issue at the monthly meeting of Donegal County Council, Cllr Ali Farren put forward a motion for the first time that didn't relate to Defective Concrete Blocks.

His motion reads as: “I am asking Donegal County Council to look at developing or encouraging a better EV charging network for the county.”

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There are 2,500 charging points across the country but only 17 public charging units in Donegal. There are 73,000 EV cars in the country.

The 100% Redress Party councillor has been testing an electric vehicle over the past month and he knows from his own experience that “when going a long distance you will start to get a bit apprehensive about how you will get home.”

Cllr Farren outlined how Donegal could be missing out on tourism revenue due to a lack of charging points for electric vehicles.

“The Dublin tourist will be looking at his map or app as he’s sitting in his EV car and he’s going to decide whether to come here or go to Kerry over the lack of charging points.”

“I would like the council to look at every town and village having a charging unit. One of the areas that stands out to me is the Moville car park with the beach. Also, when the Council is looking at planning applications for a new hotel, if they would encourage that type of development too.”

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Fellow Councillor Joy Beard seconded Councillor Farren's motion and echoed her party colleagues' fears that the lack of charging points could deter some tourists from visiting Donegal.

“We need to make sure we are putting no obstacles in the way for visitors who want to come here. We can't promote green tourism unless we provide the basic facilities for it. I would like to see a charging point available in every village, town, and key tourist spot in Donegal.”

In response, Bryan Cannon, director of service, roads and transportation, Donegal County Council, explained that DCC is currently engaged in the development of a new strategy regarding the infrastructure of chargers for electric vehicles.

He explained that the first round of funding for EV chargers was for motorways and the second tranche for non-motorway national roads. The development of the strategy as part of the third tranche of the overall policy will include consultation with both the public and elected members.

Mr Cannon added that the council will be coordinating with neighbouring counties because “people like using the Wild Atlantic Way and we want to ensure we have the same offer other local authorities have. We are en route to having better charging facilities.”

Councillor Farren replied that it was great to hear, but “I hope we don't run out of power on the way!”