Communities in Laois can now apply for funding to install electric car charging points at local public facilities.
The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has today announced the launch of the EU €15 million Just Transition Fund Community Facilities Electric Vehicle Charging Scheme.
Communities in Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and Roscommon can apply for the funding as can a handful of municipal districts, including Athy.
This scheme aims to provide EV charging at popular public facilities including community centres, public libraries, public health centres, recreational facilities, and enterprise centres across the Just Transition territory.
The scheme is part of the EU JTF Programme which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and aims 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.
Announcing the launch of the Scheme, Minister Ryan noted:
“The Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme is an example of how the Government and the European Union are working together to connect communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to benefit directly from the green transition,” said Minister Eamon Ryan on announcing the scheme.
“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”.
Applications will be gathered and assessed by Pobal, who will provide guidance on the scheme generally and who will offer direct support to applicants.
“I welcome the opening of the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) Community Facilities Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Scheme,” added local Senator and Minister for State Pippa Hackett.
“This Scheme will see €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 order to be eligible, community groups must meet various criteria. Payment for the installation of the charge points will be paid directly to the provider and not to the community groups in question.
The scheme opened on Friday and the deadline for receipt of applications is September 28. Further information on how to apply is available here.
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