THE SDLP’s Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement of £350,000 match funding from SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon for local councils to grow their e-charging network.
Funding is being made available from the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) for local councils to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking through the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS).
SDLP Minister Mallon is providing £350,000 of match funding from her department’s Blue Green Infrastructure Fund for local councils that submit a successful application to the ORCS.
Local councils must apply individually or collectively to the OZEV for the funding and it will then be matched by Minister Mallon.
The SDLP is encouraging councils to act now and apply for the funding from the British Government for their local communities.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Following SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon’s announcement I would encourage all local councils to apply for this funding from the British Government and if successful then receive the additional match funding to set up more electrical vehicle charge points on residential streets.
“The more charge points that are available and easily accessible the more likely drivers will be tempted to change over from a petrol or diesel to an electric car.
“SDLP Minister Mallon has once again demonstrated her commitment to tackling the climate crisis which has been one of her main priorities since taking office.
“The pressures facing us as a result have the potential to change the world as we know it and doing nothing is simply no longer an option.
“Encouraging the public to transition from traditional vehicles to electric powered will be one of the most effective ways of lowering our carbon emissions and protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy.
“Electric cars are going to play a huge part in our lives going forward.
“Minister Mallon has recognised this and backed it through this funding that will hopefully encourage councils to apply and draw down the funding OZEV has made available.”
