Clones to benefit from double EV charger

A new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point is set to be installed at Fitzpatrick Square, Clones, across from the Creighton Hotel.

Paul Clerkin, Acting Senior Engineer confirmed the pilot project at the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District (MD) last week. The facility will cater for both residential and commercial vehicles. The project in line with the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which came into force in 2024. Co Monaghan’s target output is 7428kW by 2030.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) has a dedicated office in the Department of Transport. The body intends to lead Ireland’s transition to low-emission mobility, to support customers, the public sector and businesses in switching to electric vehicles.

Cathaoirleach Sinéad Flynn asked how the location was decided, and why the Roslea Road carpark was not chosen. The engineer informed the Sinn Féin representative that the carpark is long and narrow and, as such, unsuitable for a multi-user charging station.

Fianna Fáil’s Seamus Coyle warned that the reduced parking spaces could result in loss of business, because people want to park as close as possible to their destination. He welcomed the increase in occupancy in the area, adding that parking is confined and new residents must be catered for.

Cllr Pat Treanor said that the carpark is never full and the two spaces required for the charging station could be spared. The Sinn Féin rep emphasised that the provision of EV charging points is now a necessity. He added that there is also an existing EV charger in the main carpark on Fermanagh Street.

Director of Services Nial O’Connor said that these are high-speed charging units, which would charge the car when someone went shopping.

The site was proposed by Cllr Treanor and seconded by Cllr Richard Truell (FG).