It is almost 15 years since the rollout of public charging infrastructure to support the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland.
Yet there is still nowhere between Portlaoise and Carlow – two of the region’s major towns – in which to charge an EV.
That is according to Fianna Fáil Councillor Paschal McEvoy, who raised the matter September’s meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District this week.
Cllr McEvoy had asked for update as to when ESB Charging points will be available in Stradbally, to which Acting Director of Services, Mr Paul McLoughlin, gave the following response:
“Laois County have been working with Eir EasyGo for the provision of EV charging points on the main Street in Stradbally.
“Following submission of an application enquiry, the ESB reverted identifying capacity issues at the chosen location. Alternative sites have been identified and are currently under assessment for available power capacity.
“Should capacity be available, installation will follow within two to three months.”
Cllr McEvoy was pleased with the estimated two- to three-month time-frame, but said he could not understand ESB’s position that capacity is a problematic factor in this decision.
The Fianna Fáil councillor also spoke about the area hosting events such as Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, insisting amenities such as EV charging should be a given.
“We’re all talk about climate change and moving forward in relation to green energy,” he said. “But if the simple basics of putting a power point in there for people are causing such problems, how can we expect to move forward?”
There was strong support from Cllrs Vivienne Phelan and Aisling Moran, who cited the lack of charging points as a major contributory factor in the declining EV sales figures.
Cllr McEvoy turned his attention to road safety next, first calling on Laois County Council to consider installing speed ramps on the N8 approaching the Rock of Dunamaise.
Mr Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer, said the Council will arrange for a speed survey to be carried out at the location.
Cllr McEvoy concluded his motions by asking that the speed limit zone signs on the Timahoe Road, Stradbally be moved from current its location.
“The signs are too close to the town,” he said, adding that drivers are “almost on the housing estates before they have to reduce the speed.”
Cllr Phelan endorsed the motion, insisting that the signs should be placed further away from the residential area to give motorists more time to reduce their speed.
Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer at the Council’s Roads Department said the zones would be reviewed as part of the next county speed-limit review.
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