To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on work being done to expand the electric vehicle charge point network; and (ii) what discussions she has had with private businesses and local councils to explore their potential involvement in this expansion.

My response to AQW 30613/17-22 also refers and provides an update on the work being done to expand the electric vehicle charge point network. I have also held discussions with private businesses and local councils to explore their potential involvement in this expansion. I have met with the Director of the Confederation of British Industry NI (CBI NI) and other related stakeholders. My officials meet regularly with representatives from our local councils and my Department is represented, in an advisory capacity, on an On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) council consortium set up to look at applying for ORCS funding. My Department is also represented on the Review Group for the FASTER project which will install a total of 73 EV Rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the West of Scotland by 31 May 2023. The FASTER project includes as associate partners representation from our local councils and recently my Department was represented as a speaker at a FASTER public event held in Monaghan. I would also re-iterate some elements of my response to AQW 30613/17-22.

I have established an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers, industry and EV drivers to consider our EV Infrastructure requirements and to help set out a clear action plan by autumn 2022 to deliver a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.

Funding opportunities for the installation of charge point infrastructure in GB-NI are provided by OZEV. I have met with British Government ministers to discuss the move to electric vehicles, the approach to installing charge point infrastructure and future funding including development opportunities for our charge point network. I have been assured that OZEV will continue to highlight opportunities for charge point operators in GB to consider entering the market here in the North.

The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities/ councils in GB-NI during 2021-22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. I have written to councils advising them that I have made available match-funding of circa £350k, subject to public expenditure processes, from within my Department’s Blue Green Fund to assist local councils making an application to the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS). My Department is represented, in an advisory capacity, on an ORCS council consortium which is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, set up to look at applying for ORCS funding. My officials will continue to make themselves available to local councils to provide support, advice and guidance.

I have been able to support the FASTER Project, funded through the INTERREG VA Territorial Co-operation Programme which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project has received funding through the programme to install a total of 73 EV Rapid charging points across the island of Ireland and the West of Scotland by 31 May 2023. The Department will be contributing €513,945 (£455,371) of Match Funding towards the FASTER project. The responsibility for the implementation of the project rests with SEUPB and it has agreed a delivery schedule with the project partners, led by the East Border Region Group Limited. The locations for the charge points have not as yet been finalised, however, it is expected that 20-30 of these will be located in the North.

I remain committed to working in partnership with Executive colleagues and others across our islands to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.