Sports clubs and communities throughout County Galway have been urged to apply for the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, which has now opened for applications.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, along with Minister for Sport Catherine Martin, launched the new €15 million scheme, which will support the roll-out of publicly accessible, fast-charging for sports clubs and communities across the island of Ireland.
Galway East Deputy Ciaran Cannon has highlighted the benefits of the scheme in the wider switch to electrification of transport.
“So many of us are frequent visitors to our local sports clubs, whether that’s dropping off our children for training or games, helping out or playing sports ourselves.
“Fifteen percent of all new cars sold in County Galway last year were electric. With a general increase in the number of families using electric cars, it now makes perfect sense to grant aid the installation of EV charging points at sports clubs”.
“Ireland is in a strong position to move to transport electrification. Most of our journeys are short and most of our charging is done at home, but it is important to make sure that we also have a strong public charging network in place for those without access to home charging, or for anyone who needs to top-up their charge when out and about.
“This scheme will support clubs and communities in becoming more sustainable and reinforce the message that by working together we can move away from carbon intensive transport and energy”.
“This first of its kind grant scheme has been developed in partnership with Sports Ireland and sports governing bodies across the island, and is administered by Pobal. The scheme will allow sports clubs to apply to install a fast EV charge point at their grounds, providing charging for club members as well as the local community.”
Applications will be gathered and assessed by Pobal, who will provide guidance on the scheme generally and who will offer direct support to applicants. For further information on how to apply, visit pobal.ie/programmes/ZEVISchemes
