ESB Criticised: Local Social Democrats Cllr Calls For New Management Of Ireland's EV Chargers

Wednesday, 3 April 2024 10:24

By Martin Osborne

His call comes at a time when AA Ireland is calling for a public information campaign to help boost sales of electric vehicles.

Ireland's EV chargers are either "insufficient or inadequately maintained".

Local Social Democrats Cllr Bill Clear said it is high time we reconsidered who manages the essential infrastructure.

He said he believes ESB is the wrong entity to manage the infrastructure.

Drawing a parallel with the National Broadband Ireland initiative, Cllr Clear suggested that the provision of charging infrastructure should prioritise public service over financial gain.

His call comes at a time when AA Ireland is calling for a public information campaign to help boost sales of electric vehicles.

The purchase of EV's has been falling month on month, and a survey by the group found in many cases that's because motorists are reading incorrect information online about range, battery life and long charging times.

However, Cllr Clear argued that instilling public confidence in EVs comes down to more chargers, with the job given to a company whose sole focus is maintaining and updating the infrastructure.

Meanwhile, CEO of the RIAC Conor Faughnan believes so called 'charge anxiety' is misplaced.

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