Calls for a ‘pause’ on the installation of EV chargers in Tipperary

Some Tipperary councillors have called for a ‘pause’ in the roll out of EV chargers in the county.

Cllr David Dunne raised an issue with the chargers at last month’s sitting of Tipperary County Council.

He told elected members that electric vehicles are becoming “uninsurable.”

He said they require specialised garages and technicians and it is often cheaper to buy a new one than to repair.

“I think we should take a pause on this,” said Cllr Dunne.

He said the council is supporting infrastructure that will be replaced when hydrogen technology comes on the market.

Nenagh councillor Joe Hanigan supported the call saying that they are a ‘burden’ on the local authority.

He said commercial garages now have chargers, and it is time for the council to take a step back.

“What you have done is great, but it's time to take a rain-check,” said Cllr Hanigan.

However, Cllrs Declan Burgess and Michael Murphy disagree.

Cllr Burgess said that there has been a lot of work between the council and stakeholders in the industry, and that should continue.

“It is really important that the local authority does not step back and continues to be involved,” said Cllr Burgess.

Director of Services for the Environment and Climate Action Section, Eamon Lonergan, said new technology always has it’s issues.

He said the installation of EV chargers are a matter of national and council policy.

But he said, the council are “not putting all their eggs in one basket.”

“It is new, and we will keep an eye on it and the role it has to play,” said Mr Lonergan.